DOWNTIME w/ Aylsa McHugh

Artist workspace. Photo by Robert Bonica

1) LOCATION?

Naarm (Melbourne), Australia 🇦🇺

2) YEARS COLLAGING?

I have been experimenting with different collage techniques since the early 2000's. Since 2017 my practice has almost entirely, been collage centred.

3) WHAT DO YOU LOVE AND DISLIKE ABOUT COLLAGE??

I love the immediacy of collage. It's something that I can easily do in-between the demands of domestic life. There are so many aspects of collage making that I love, there is a reason that my practice has been focused in collage for the last 6 years! From the process of sourcing materials to the inevitability of experimentation the medium lends itself to, it's an ongoing and ever-evolving love affair. Hoarding and storing books and magazines is somewhat of an issue though.

4) BIGGEST INFLUENCES?

A lot of my friends are also artists so there is a constant and varied flow of ideas and influences happening in my life. I am fortunate to be a member of the @melbournecollageassembly and all of the artists involved approach the medium in interesting and inspiring ways. Most recently I have been revisiting Unica Zurn's writing and automatic drawings, she is a truly wonderful artist.

5) ANALOG VS DIGITAL, PROS & CONS?

enjoy both but for very different reasons. Of late, I have largely been utilising digital collage techniques. I'm exploring different printing processes and methods of presentation and digital collage lends itself to this type of experimentation. Working digitally enables me to alter the size of images, in relation to each other, which gives me more control over the outcome. I often host collage workshops and they are always analogue focused. It's refreshing and enjoyable to dip back into this way of working. I really do love both methods.

In terms of drawbacks; when utilising digital collage you miss out on the beauty of differing paper textures and that slight 3D quality that is the result of layering. Working with analogue techniques can be limiting in terms of the size of the finished piece. I always want to see the work on a larger scale.

6) HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR DOWNTIME?

I am a parent to a gorgeous and energetic 9-year-old and also have a lovely partner, they both keep me pretty busy! I'm lucky to live near Merri Creek and try to go for a walk along the path there as often as I can. I also have a day job so art-making is a large part of my downtime, there's nothing quite like being in the flow. Friends, music, art, books and film all greatly add to the pleasure and quality of my life.

7) THREE TIPS FOR SOMEONE STARTING OUT IN COLLAGE?

Collect good quality source material, look out for interesting images and paper quality.
Experiment and have fun, there are no rules.
Make time for your practice as often as you can, like everything else in life you gain skill by putting in the work.

8) WHERE DO YOU SEE YOUR ART PRACTICE IN 5-10 YEARS’ TIME?

Hopefully, my home studio will be renovated and I'll have a few international residencies under my belt! The process of making art, for me, is the most enjoyable aspect. As long as I'm still making I'll be happy.

9) UP AND COMING SHOWS OR PROJECTS WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT?

I currently have work on display at the National Gallery of Victoria in the Melbourne Now exhibition. On May the 14th I'll be hosting an analogue collage-making workshop @incinerator_gallery and at the end of May I'll be exhibiting a series of new work @marycherrycontemporaryart

See more 👀
Gram: @aylsa_mchugh
Web: aylsamchugh.com