Brian McHenry is an artist from Ireland who is not classically trained, but who works with the greatest respect for art. He draws his way, processes emotions and life-determining events with the pen as a tool. A person and an artistry that touched us deeply.
We are drawn to art and artists that resonate and spark our curiosity. That is exactly how we felt about Brian's art. When we called Brian and had our first conversation about working together, we were struck by his humble personality and the way he expressed his gratitude for art. It was a reminder of how important art and making art are. They help us reflect and process our reality, they develop societies and us as human beings.
Q: What early influences from your childhood or your environment do you remember that influenced you as an artist?
A: The earliest experience was with my mum and her patience as she sat with me and helped me draw. She was very talented artistically but had to leave school at 14 and so never really had the opportunity to pursue her talent. I was always fascinated by watching her draw and that amazement of watching someone else draw and realising that I could do it myself has never left me. It was pure magic for me, and I still am! In a world that is so fleeting and full of losses, creating something that didn't exist before is something extraordinary.
Q: Do you believe that an artist has an obligation to society through their work?
A: I think the concept of "society" is very complex, and to be honest, I sometimes struggle with it. The idea that society is an aggregate of certain values or norms often ignores those who are in some way outside of that society. Some of the most interesting art has been created by people who are marginalised and on the fringes of what is considered society. I think any responsibility an artist has should relate to a sense of common humanity and all that that entails for better or worse. This seems both necessary and inevitable. Art for me is a direct result of being human, it stems from the need to express and understand who we are and to constantly explore what it means to be human.
Q: Do you have a profession other than art?
A: Before my wife died, I worked in childcare, but now I look after my two daughters when I'm not drawing.
Q: Social media offers artists the space and opportunity to make their art accessible to a wider audience. In your opinion, what are the advantages and challenges that arise from the accessibility of such a platform for the artists out there?
A: I'm lucky that social media gives me the space and opportunity to develop and show my art. I'm not formally qualified or trained and actually didn't draw for many years, so I've always struggled with that side of things. I've been very lucky with the support and encouragement I've had online and it's opened up opportunities that I wouldn't have had otherwise. Of course, there are challenges to all of this. There is a contradiction between the immediacy of social media and the way I create art, which can be very time-consuming and process-orientated. Certainly the way art is created and consumed has always evolved and should continue to do so, but I think a balance needs to be found. This is especially true for AI, and I am concerned that the actual process and manual labour involved in creating art is being forgotten. Designer Marthe Armitage talks about how we need time to develop ideas as we draw, and I think that's very true. I'm perfectly happy to scan and use technology as part of my work, but just as another tool. For me it will always be about this human and magical thing of making a mark and seeing where it leads.
