Last year I attended a night called ‘Bitches Brew’ hosted by PUT ME ON IT, and was in awe with an artist I witnessed performing live art on a canvas. Watching the piece come to life with each stroke, I found myself zoning out from the music and people around me. Once the piece was finished, I had a brief convo with it’s creator and I have been wanting to see more work since. That time came when Sri had her first solo exhibition with sponsorship from Barefoot Wine, at The Print House Gallery in London’s Eastern quarter.
Sri invited me down to her Private View of the exhibition, where I got reacquainted with her, and was instantly hit with the feeling a kid has in a sweet store, turning my head in all directions, rapidly moving myself between canvases to framed pieces. I got to ask her a few questions about herself, her work, and art…
Sri, I had the opportunity to become acquainted with you last year, but for those that don’t know who you are, please introduce yourself
Hey! Yeah I met you last year at ‘Bitches Brew’, an all female event promoted by our good friend Ameila at PUT ME ON IT. ‘Bitches Brew’ was organised as showcase to platform a selection of female DJ’s, musicians and singers and I provided the ‘live art’ or drawing element for the night.
So that’s the background to our meeting and now for the introduction. I’m Sri (pronounced ‘Shree’ as in Sri Lanka!) I’m an artist/illustrator of dual heritage, which I would say plays a significant factor in where the inspiration, content and sense of style of my work comes from.
Is Sri your birth given name, or artist name?
Sri is my given name. Very short and to the point! (Kinda funny because it confuses people and even to this day, friends who have known me for years still mispronounce it!) Its Sanskrit and is quite a common name in South East Asia, particularly throughout India and Indonesia.
When did you discover your love for the arts and illustration, and what encouraged you to pursue a career in the field?
I always enjoyed drawing throughout my childhood, but didn’t actively pick it up again after leaving University. Having completed an Editorial Photography degree I then went on to work in independent music PR/promotion for a while before finally giving the art and illustration my full focus. Have always had a healthy interest in the visual arts, particularly contemporary and traditional illustration, animation, anime, graffiti and street inspired styles and aesthetics. Having worked in the independent music industry for a good while I decided to make the transition into more visual and illustrative based work. So far so good, as it appears that you can cross-pollinate the two! My most recent example of this was being commissioned to do the J Dilla Tribute flyer, tee shirt and poster. Was an honour to contribute to the man’s legacy and a great feeling seeing your tee design being worn and hopefully appreciated by a wider audience!
Your works seem to have varied influences. Tell us about some of the things that you incorporate in your work and the types of things and people that inspire you.
My dual heritage and upbringing in both the UK and Indonesia have played a significant part in providing inspiration for subject matter, as well as exposure to a diverse range of visual and cultural references. I would say that I’m particularly interested in exploring different cultures, with ideas being generated from an abundant spectrum of visual, mythological and multicultural sources.
I like to create intriguing head-scapes, curious creatures and ethereal characters a lot of which are evoked by my interest in myth, legend and folklore. Plus there’s the very strong female element which runs throughout, and the tendency towards nature and elemental themes. As mentioned, interest ranges from contemporary illustration and design, to the old masters, art nouveau, traditional folk arts, graffiti art, hip hop culture and record sleeves all the way through to psychedelia, graphic novels and anime, you name it! Basically its all a mash up of the multitude of styles and subjects I’m interested in, but far too numerous to comprehensively list in one sitting!
Are there any projects that you have been a part of in the past?
Yeah, I have been fortunate enough to be invited along to contribute to a Selfridges window display as part of The London Design Festival and was featured artist at ‘Heavy Pencil’, The Institute of Contemporary Art’s live art and music event.
You’ve recently had your first ever solo exhibition and from what we saw, you had a number of beautiful pieces on show. What are the overall aims of this exhibition?
For me, personally speaking, the solo exhibition had been a long time coming! Its took years of sitting on a multitude of ideas to finally have the courage and confidence to step up and give it your best shot. So, it was really just part of an ongoing process and the first significant milestone of what I hope will continue to be a long and fruitful journey ahead!
In terms of achieving specific aims, I did the show primarily for exposure purposes and to showcase my work to a wider and more varied audience. Am happy to report that the Private View attendance exceeded my expectations and feedback wise, its been overwhelmingly positive!
I understand you have done some work with Diesel. How did that come about?
Ah yes, it was a commission as part of the Diesel Wall Project. I got the hook up from Sketch City in Manchester and was fortunate enough to be invited to customise some shop space in both Manchester and Kent.
Talk us through the process of completing a piece from start to finish
Preparation is key! You need to know what the function of the piece/space is and what the purpose of the work is so that you can work backwards. In terms of a commission for a client, it primarily needs to fulfil their brief as well as act as good advertising for you, so its good to hone and develop your own recognisable style. In terms of the live stuff which you do in front of an audience, you don’t want to get stuck half way through, so again preparation is paramount.
What are your feelings on London’s art/illustration scene?
This is a huge question which we could spend hours debating about and compartementalising! Lets just say its very healthy and there is room enough for everyone to express themselves and get their message across.
Have you worked with any other UK or London based artists/illustrators?
I have contributed to live art jams up and down the country, namely in Manchester and Leeds but haven’t done for a bit. Music wise, have worked with soul chanteuse Andreya Triana on our live music and art collaborative project ‘ Dreamscape Soul Sessions’. We performed at Cargo for Karen P’s ‘Broadcasting’ night in association with Red Bull Radio. Andreya is an incredible talent, watch out for her forthcoming début album dropping on Ninja Tune later this year.
More recently I was invited by Charlie Dark to collaborate at his ‘School of Dark’ Sessions. Charlie is a UK legend in my view, responsible for the genre-busting ‘Blacktronica’ sessions, he is a poet, writer, producer, DJ and all round super inspiring individual. We worked together for a series of live art and music events held at the Concrete Bar, Hayward Gallery and there are further developments for collaborative projects in the pipeline.
So, what’s next for Sri?
I am working on a series of private painting commissions, logo designs, album covers and general illustration work, whilst simultaneously maintaining my personal work. Was recently commissioned to do a bespoke tattoo design which as an honour! It was unique and tailored to the specifications of the individual person. Plus, now that i’ve completed my first ever solo show, have had time to let the experience sink in, am excited about pursuing and exploring future projects and opportunities.
When will your next exhibition be, and how can we keep in touch with you?
My next exhibition is titled ‘Archipelago’, at the Eastpack Gallery on Carnaby Street. Click here for more info.
Please keep in touch by peeping the website directly at: www.srimckinnon.com and signing up to the mailing list. All the pieces from my show will be available as prints direct from my website, so watch this space and sign up if you’d like to be kept updated. Plenty of exciting things in the pipeline, so keep ‘em eyes peeled!
Any last words for us?
Big up Blanchard! 
Thanks for taking the time, effort and initiative to do this, appreciated my friend. Big up Amelia at ‘PUT ME ON IT’ for the connection. Thanks and appreciation to all my friends who have consistently supported and encouraged me along the way. The best is yet to come!
As mentioned above, you can contact Sri and view more of her work here.
Questions and photography by B
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