Idris Veitch Interview

Tell us a bit about yourself. Who you are, where you’re from and what you do.

My name is Idris Veitch. I am a Visual Artist from Kingston, Jamaica with a background in Fashion Design.

How did you get your start as an artist?

I got into visual arts during my graduation collection while studying fashion design in Tokyo. The theme of the collection was around the question of identity. At that point I had lived in Japan for 7 years and previously lived in America for college. I am also half-Nigerian but never had any contact with that side of my family.

The question that kept coming up was "who are you?”. For some of the research I collaged Japanese ukiyo-e (traditional woodblock prints and paintings) and masks from different parts of Africa. The graduation show came and went but I didn’t do anything else with the research material. I posted some images from it several months later on Instagram out of boredom. It got a really good response and a friend suggested I do a series: which I did! That was in 2016 and I haven't looked back ever since. The *African Masks X Ukiyoe* series that came from those posts has seen me do numerous solo and joint exhibitions in Tokyo and Kingston and has allowed me to engage with a thriving community of like minded artists online.

What do you love most about what you do?

One of the most joyous things about making art is that it provides a safe space for me. Every new piece that I start is another opportunity to create a world that I can disappear into. I feel really fortunate to be able to take my doubts and negative feelings and turn them into something constructive.

I also love the feedback I get from other people. The support I have received through comments, messages and people sharing my artwork is indescribable. There's a certain kind of magic that happens when people offer their own interpretations to my work. It made me realize that once your artwork is out there then it’s out of your hands for good. All the support I received has encouraged me a lot to keep going.

What do you find the most challenging?

Sometimes I get "writer's block" where I just can't make anything. In the past I’d put this huge burden on myself to pump out material. I felt like if I didn't, I would be missing out. Instagram does something where it has you chasing that high from likes. I'm also guilty for sometimes comparing myself to other artists on my feed, or having impostor syndrome.

When things get tough, where do you find the inspiration to keep moving forward?

I immediately step away and do something else to clear my head like exercise, sewing, reading my Kindle, listening to a podcast or binge watch on Netflix. I always want my head to be in a peaceful space when I create.

I always believed that doing what you love isn’t worth it once it starts feelings like something you have to force yourself to do. I would much prefer to walk away from it than have it turn into something I resent.

Who is someone you admire most and why?

• Gotta shine a spotlight on my friend and fellow visual artist Aaron Marin (@neutokyo). I met him at an exhibition in Tokyo and really like his work. We’ve had a lot of deep conversations and I think the depth of his influences are very inspiring.

• Also have to give a huge shout to Teri Henderson of (@blackcollagists). Black Collagists is a wonderful incubator that exhibits the work on black collagists from all over the world. It was founded by her and is backed by Doug and Laurie Kanyer (@kanyerartcollection). My piece *Twin Flame* and my profile were one of the first to be featured at the profile’s launch, and was also part of the Doug + Laurie Kanyer Collection.

Tell me something unusual that makes you happy.

I've always disliked hot weather. Being born and raised in Jamaica you would I'd be used to it, but I am always more comfortable during fall and winter. I'd much prefer snowboarding, or being wrapped up while eating nabe (Japanese hot pot dish) with my friends as opposed to a 35°C day at the beach.

Anything weird on your bucket list?

Iceland has been calling me to visit for at least a decade now, and I'm going to make it there one of these days.

Top three songs you keep on repeat?

This is a difficult one to answer as I spend a lot of my listening time flipping between three playlists - Alternative, Rap/RnB and Metal.

Podcasts you can't get enough of?

• 60 Songs that Explain the 90s. I've been living for each new episode of this podcast! I was born in the eighties, but will always be a nineties/early aughts music baby.
• Disgraceland
• Rivals: Music's Biggest Feuds
• The Read
• Louder than a Riot
• Planet Money
• Stuff they Don't Want You to Know

How do you fuel for the day?

Coffee! I honestly can't start my day without it.

Tell us about your vision for the future. Go big! We want to root you on!

• I'm now in school studying for my masters in teaching. Art has been so important to me and it is my dream to pass on that joy to other people.

• I’d like to get to a point where I could make a living selling my artwork. Each print I sell is in limited quantities and I want to see them in the hands of different people all over the world :).

• Would love to run a gallery! I have so many artist friends that I’ve met along the way and would love to have a space where I could exhibit their art work.

• I’ve always had dreams since graduating school to have a small brand of relaxed, textile print focused garments. Maybe one day <3

*Shameless plug alert* - Please check out my webstore:
www.idrisveitch.bigcartel.com

Idris Veitch | @idrisveitch