Artists Interviews

Each month we feature an in-depth exploration into a current project in order to share learning and provide insight into approaches to practice.

July 2011: Mark O’Brien

Introduction

June-July Guest Editor Mark O’Brien interviews artist Orla Kelly about her work with children and young people and the research she is developing around early years arts practice.

Mark and Orla discuss the big issues of process and product; authenticity; compromise; and aesthetic! Mark also asked Orla a question post-interview, about the supports that artists need. CLICK HERE to read her response along with other extracts from the audio interview.

Can you talk about your background and how you came to be doing the work that you’re doing?

Was there anything you took from that and said

Do you recognise a thread through both your own practice and your collaborative engagement? - Orla talks about authenticity. Orla and Mark also discuss the challenges of working with children and youn

How do artists set the objectives?

Are artists asked enough what supports they need?

You’re currently developing research around early years arts. What inspires you about that area of work and what are you trying to find out?

We talk an awful lot about what the young people are getting out of it and maybe we feel guilty about asking what the practitioners are getting out of it. Do you know what I mean?

Comments about this interview

13th July 2011 AT 06:19:42

Thought-provoking in regard to the purpose and value of art in both a personal and educational context. Waffle-free, as artistic discussion should be.
John Maguire

12th July 2011 AT 10:44:25

I still remember those fantastic days helping out with the Schools Project in the Sculptors Society. So many different Artists and all the Children from many Schools working together and apart on different projects, individual and group projects.
John Maguire

12th July 2011 AT 10:44:20

I still remember those fantastic days helping out with the Schools Project in the Sculptors Society. So many different Artists and all the Children from many Schools working together and apart on different projects, individual and group projects.