1xRun Thru Interview
The Dirty Show by Sarah Joncas
1xRun: Tell us a little bit about this piece, what materials were used?
Sarah Joncas: The original was painted with oil on a 12″ x 16″ board. I started her in December 2011 and finished her in February 2012. I do an acrylic layer initially for working out colour placement, then go over top with layers of oil. No mediums or glazing.
1xRun: Tell us how the idea and execution came about?
Sarah Joncas: Originally I started the piece for an erotic themed group show that ended up falling through a month before it was to take place. Though disappointing, I continued on with this painting I started and it ended up being one of my most popular. So, I suppose I should be more thankful than anything – I may not of even put the time into the idea if the show hadn’t been offered to me!
1xRun: How long did this piece take?
Sarah Joncas: A few months I suppose, which is normal for me. I typically work on 8-10 pieces at a time, painting in a cycle while I wait for others to dry.
1xRun: What is unique about this piece?
Sarah Joncas: It was made to go in an erotic art show so the idea was just to make something sexy. Sexuality is normally something touched upon in my work, but this was an opportunity to just have fun with it. I usually find the more dark and mysterious to be beautiful, so it was inevitable that I’d make her have a less than bubbly kind of sex appeal.
1xRun: Why should people buy this print?
Sarah Joncas: Well, I’m not one to tell people what they should buy. The prints are good quality though, so if you like the image you shouldn’t be disappointed.
1xRun: Describe the piece in one gut reaction word.
Sarah Joncas: Sexy.
1xRun: When did you first start making art and what was your first piece?
Sarah Joncas: I’ve been drawing and creating since I was 3, but didn’t start painting until 16. The first painting I sold was an ‘Alice in Wonderland’ themed painting when I was 16.
1xRun: What artists inspired you early on? Who inspires you now?
Sarah Joncas: I didn’t get introduced to art history until I was into my teens (at which I loved Frida Kahlo and Dali), but my biggest inspiration growing up before that was anime and video games. The artists behind Zelda, Final Fantasy, Neon Genesis, Sailor Moon etc. As far as who inspires me now, there are too many to list, but here’s a short number: Joe Sorren, Aron Wiesenfeld, Lori Earley, John Currin, Lisa Yuskavage, Ron English, Viner, Cindy Sherman, Frida Kahlo, Edward Hopper, Andrew Wyeth, Alex Gross, James Jean, Ralph Steadman.
1xRun: Do you listen to music while you work?
Sarah Joncas: Always love music. Alternative and classic rock are my faves, but more often I prefer movie scores and instrumentals while painting. I like listening to audio books too. I find them to be better for concentration and focus while I paint over watching movies. Though despite it, I do play movies and shows at times to change things up.
1xRun: If you could collaborate with any living artist who would it be and why? Any deceased artists?
Sarah Joncas: I get asked this often and to be honest, I’m not the collaborating type. Not unless I feel pretty comfortable with the other person. I’m easily nervous and shy about that stuff. I am however, working on my first collaborative piece with Audrey Pongracz. So far so good, though the process is more difficult when the person is a country away. How about, instead of collaborate, we say watch. If I could watch any other artist paint, I’m sure Leonardo Da Vinci would be pretty interesting! Though not my favourite painter, he’s incredible and there’s so much myth and legend surrounding him.
1xRun: What was the first piece of art you bought? The last?
Sarah Joncas: Sadly I have never been able to afford original art. Doing artist trades and buying prints are my only options at this point in my life. However, I did recently buy a print from Tara McPherson.
1xRun: What else do you have in the works for the near future?
Sarah Joncas: Well, I always have up coming shows. A few group shows later this year at Distinction Gallery, Last Rites and Thinkspace. I am planning a two person show with my best friend here in Ontario at the Dorland-Haight Gallery, which will be in October. My next big solo show isn’t until next year at Subtext in San Diego.
1xRun: Where else can people find you?
Sarah Joncas: Website – Facebook – Instagram @sarah_joncas
-1xRUN