Stephanie McGovern shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Stephanie, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
I think the inherent process of weaving makes me lose track of time, and gives me the space to allow my mind to wander. This past summer I had the opportunity to travel to Provence, France for an artist residency. There, I began working on a frame loom—a more rudimentary weaving set-up that slows the weaver down to the meticulous actions of lifting each individual thread. Going back to this simplified form of working with threads was meditative, quiet…pensive. And resulted in some interesting new woven forms.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Stephanie McGovern, and I have been an artist based in New York City since 2016. My practice ranges from performance, sculpture, textiles, video, photography, installation and drawing. I’m particularly interested in drawing from research as a catalyst for art making, specifically on the potential of everyday objects and materials as a means for domestic discourse. I’m well versed in weaving, and received formal training during my undergraduate studies in SFSU’s Studio Art program.
I’ve shown my work both nationally and internationally between New York, San Francisco, Miami, France and Greece. Selected exhibitions and performances include Future Fair, Spring/Break Art Show, Satellite Art Show Miami & New York, The Locker Room, A.I.R. Gallery, SVA Chelsea Gallery, Martin Wong Gallery, Textile Arts Center, The Cell Theatre, the Roll Up Gallery and Root Division.
Professionally I’ve assisted established artists on major museum projects throughout New York, in addition to cultivating and nurturing partnerships with organizations through my work in arts administration.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I’ve always been an artist.
For me, it doesn’t matter how the world may try to define me. Being an artist will always remain foundational.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
If we are thinking about the abstractness of life and carving out our path in the world, I actually think fear has been a strange motivator to take action, especially when it comes to creating performance. I find in trying something new, whether that is a career or artistic project, fear and doubt are normal feelings that are part of the process of growing. I tend to move in the direction of decisions that might scare me—after all, the idea of failure can be frightening. But I think not trying and wondering “what if” is a far more devastating feeling.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
I think as a performancer it’s difficult to avoid an audience or the public building their own perception of you. Some of my work can be quite extravagant, but as an individual I’m far more reclusive.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Of course. Art making is not about praise—it’s about the work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://stephaniemcgovern.com/
Image Credits
Natalia Neuhaus, Vimala Faith & Georgette Maniatis
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