Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Meagan J. Meehan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Meagan J., looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?
I grew up going to art museums and/or sculpture gardens all over New York City, Long Island, upstate NY, and elsewhere. My parents really love abstract art so I was exposed to it at a very young age and it clearly cemented a love for shapes and colors in my brain. My parents also read to me a lot, which explains how I formed my love for storytelling which led to be becoming a writer. Until this day, they are very supportive of my endeavors and I am extremely grateful for that.
Meagan J., love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am an abstract artist who creates sculptural wall hangings. I call my practice “Conscious Perceptionalism” because my pieces are designed to be hung from all sides–there is no definitive left, right, up, or down. I’m trademarking the term and plan to keep developing this process in the future. I consider myself a semi-professional artist because, although I don’t make a living from my work, I have sold over 100 pieces, won awards, been inducted into the permanent collection of museums, exhibited at galleries, and showcased in countries such as Canada, Brazil, India, Ireland, Egypt, Spain, Italy, France, England, and South Korea. I have also had the opportunity to work on a public mural in Westbury, Long Island, and I have steady part-time work as an art teacher (mostly at libraries and community centers), so even though my art can still be somewhat classified as a hobby, it’s rewarding in so many ways.
I am also a published author of novels, short stories, children’s books, and poetry collections. I have had six plays produced and two screenplays developed into films. My novels and short stories range all genres, but my poems tend to be free-verse and my plays are “outrageous plays” since they feature unlikely or other-worldly characters like Lucky Stars, Angels, Demons, Witches, Ghosts, Faeries, etc. I feel like theater crowds are more accepting of “out there” scenarios and that is reflected in my playwriting.
As for my full time job, I am a college instructor. I specialize in online learning pertaining to the subjects of English, Communication, Creative Writing, and Teaching Methods. My ultimate goal is to design classes and entire programs for online college-level curriculums; that is very much a management position and I am finishing up my Ph.D. right now so those doors can be opened for me. I also work part-time as a freelance journalist and that has given me the opportunity to interview some really cool people!
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Without a doubt, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is seeing how my work can bring joy to people. I love sitting quietly near my artwork when it’s hanging in a gallery or museum and just watching people walk by and commenting on it or visibly reacting to it. My favorite memory of a sale was when I found out that a grandmother purchased a piece of my work for her granddaughter as Christmas present!
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
One word: opportunities! Artists need opportunities to show their work. Every gallery that arranges “open call” shows is doing a wonderful service to the community. We all have to start someplace, and “Calls for Artists” can lead to so many great experiences. Over the past few years I’ve started to delve into curation and I try to create calls that are broad enough in theme to attract artists who work in a range of style and media.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://meaganjmeehan.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artsycr8tor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Meagan-J-Meehan/pfbid02K76HBVcoTWbdNGkmeoWv62B3zMJA5H2MsRBaHunLKj2vmub51aUCTknoeGvMhuLml/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meagan-j-meehan-96405270
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2FArtsyCr8tive1
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCB6hEdNIN4GDM26FBuJOXIA?app=desktop
Image Credits
Meagan J. Meehan (I and/or my family members took all of these photos and have the rights to them)