Tell us about your art: What do you do? What did inspire you to start?
I create graphic, abstract artwork which encompasses sculpture, wooden murals – and also blurs the lines between art, design and functionality. I’ve pursued both design and art since my teens – it was what I wanted to do as far back as I can remember. So there’s not one thing that inspired me but I’m pretty sure Pop Art and Lego both played their parts at different times!
What were your most successful projects so far or what projects did you enjoy the most so far?
I’ve recently finished Uphoarding – a 210 metre long wooden mosaic along a hoarding around the Olympic Park in Stratford / Hackney Wick – commissioned by LLDC and Moniker Projects. It was both enjoyable and an epic labour of love – working with some great people for about 12 months to produce something which still blows my mind to see it finished. The buzz of seeing it start as rough sketches – through to completion on such a large scale was pretty special.
Tell us a bit more about your current project?
Since finishing Uphoarding – I’ve been hatching plans for some exciting projects in 2015. Still early stages, so I can’t give much away – but in the meantime I’m back in the studio working on some light based pieces and planning a new body of work to exhibit next year.
How would you describe the art scene in Shoreditch/East London? Why is it unique?
The art scene in East London is a strange combination of both thriving and also becoming commodified. It’s an age old battle between the creativity that makes a place desirable and the developers – who then drive that creativity out through high rents and generic redevelopment. Shoreditch, Hackney, Dalston – they are all treading that fine line between immense creativity and trendy gentrification. Hopefully the former won’t be stifled by the latter.
Who/what are your favorite Artists/Businesses in the area?
Rosas Thai Cafe for food, NoBrow for fantastic illustrative books and Moniker Projects have been good to me over the years – so they need a mention!
What are your future plans?
More wooden murals and outdoor work. Also to merge a few boundaries with my work. I’m interested in doing more than just straightforward, static art – so I’m spending the winter playing with new materials and there should be some cool stuff seeing the light of day in the Spring. Watch this space!
Social links:
Website: www.markmcclure.co.uk
Twitter: @_MarkMcClure_
Facebook: markmcclureart
