“I think of collage as inevitable: it’s going to be all around you whether you glue shit down or not. So I guess the appeal is in wresting some influence how moments in the world are composed.”

— Mac Premo, 2026

1) LOCATION?

I am based in Brooklyn, NY 🇺🇸

2) HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING WITH COLLAGE?

I think I was technically introduced to collage by Jack Bledsoe, my high school art teacher. But I probably started collaging when I was 10 years old when I plastered the walls of my room with pages torn out of skateboard magazines. I’ll go with that answer: when I was ten, 43 years ago.

3) WHY IS COLLAGE AN APPEALING MEDIUM?

I think of collage as inevitable: it’s going to be all around you whether you glue shit down or not. So I guess the appeal is in wresting some influence how moments in the world are composed.

4) WHO ARE THE BIGGEST INFLUENCES?

Tom Mills, my drawing teacher from college is the most influential figure in my artistic journey. He taught me that if your work doesn’t speak back to you, you’re doing it wrong. Sounds easy, takes a lifetime to learn how to listen. I am so extremely lucky to have had myriad wonderful influences in my life, but Tom’s impact continues to teach.

5) ANALOG VS DIGITAL, WHAT ARE THE PROS & CONS OF EACH?

The story always wins, so whatever gets you there most honestly, that’s the medium. Selfishly, analog is about the process for me: alone in my studio cutting and gluing and thinking; can’t beat that. But I also always carry with me the words of a mentor, Tim Case. He once challenged me to think not about what I could do, but what could be done. In that capacity, digital exploration offers the possibility to very quickly thrust you into the unknown, a place where everything worth happening happens.

*Barging My Way In*, Mixed media assemblage, 96 x 20 x 4 in, 2024

*Clamped*, Mixed media assemblage, 36 x 12 x 4 in, 2022

6) WHAT ARE THREE TIPS FOR SOMEONE STARTING OUT IN COLLAGE?

1. Don’t search for your style; it will find you.

2. Don’t overthink: seek beauty and glue shit down.

3. Try to listen to your art

7) HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR DOWNTIME?

What’s downtime?

8) WHERE DO YOU SEE YOUR ART PRACTICE HEADING?

I don’t.

I’ve worked very hard to arrive at that answer.

In my art “career” I’ve centered expectation on how I might be positioned according to the arbitration of others. At 53, my goal is to stay curious, stay in love with art making, and cook for my family. I have two undeniable kids who I am madly in love with, and the coolest wife / partner in the world. I’d like art to accompany me through this thing, whatever it is, and be a challenging and thoughtful compatriot to that existence. Eventually I’d like to find some way that my art can act as service to the world around me. Other than that, I’m good.

*Why Must I Fight My Inner Motherwell*, Paper collage on wood, 6.75 x 9.75 x 2 in, 2023

9) WHICH THREE ARTISTS SHOULD WE CHECK OUT?

Oh man, that’s tough. I have been so wildly fortunate to discover an affirming collage community online, I am currently deeply inspired by far more than three artists. I’d prefer to offer up three entities that masterfully care for and curate the collage community.

@revuecolle is an exploration into the analog

@contemporarycollagemagazine is a printed and digital quarterly magazine celebrating collage artists worldwide, created by @lesjonescollage & Molly Campbell.

@theweirdshowofficial is a curatorial platform championing The New Wave of collage. Interviews. Exhibitions. Online Gallery. Directed by @maxomatic

10) WHAT MUSIC ARE YOU LOVING RIGHT NOW?

In 2011, some guy in Brooklyn made a record called The Poison Tree. I can’t really find anything else about him. For 15 straight years, it’s been my favorite record. Also, De La forever.

11) ANY UP-AND-COMING EXHIBITIONS OR PROJECTS WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT?

I mean, I always got like a dozen things going on, but who doesn’t? I’m gonna skip the plug and just thank you for your interest in my art.

See more 👀

Instagram: @macpremo
macpremo.com
macandadrianna.com

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