We recently connected with Megan Uhaze and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Megan, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I’m a graduate of Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia. I received my BFA in Art History and Painting. Coming out of school I was looking for work, and was turned onto a job posting for Painting at The Seward Johnson Atelier In Hamilton NJ, the add simply read can you mix color? Little did I know what I was walking into. I was hired onto the staff in 2009 and the last thirteen years have been an amazing journey. I’m the current Co-Head of the finishing department here at the Atelier, responsible for the high end finishing of numerous fine art and commercial projects primarily life size and monumental sculpture for different artists and companies all over the world. Finishing meaning, painting, patina and preservation. I have learned to do what I do through experience, hands on work and training as well as expert training from the former head of Finishing my mentor and friend sculptor Autin Wright. When you get out of school as a painter you think to yourself if I find work painting it will probably be in acrylic or oils, to my surprise I needed to learn how to work with commercial and industrial paint systems primarily found in the automotive industry and other similar industries. I needed to learn how to mix and make the paint, use spray guns and other spray equipment, I needed to learn about metal and other substrates primarily bronze, how to prep surfaces and do patina, how to preserve works of art and the list goes on. I was able to get some wonderful first hand experience which I believe is the best way to learn, as well as certifications in different paint systems. I read a lot pulling up forms on products and really learning how to use them, never assuming that things would just go smoothly. I think the way to learn things more quickly is to never shy away from a task. If you don’t know how to do something look at it as an opportunity to learn, don’t be afraid of failing because eventually you will succeed and you will have learned a lot in the process. Skills that I found most essential in this line of work that have really benefitted me are color theory, brush handling and patience. Planning out tasks to be time efficient, matching color correctly and taking the time to do things properly the first time are essential. Obstacles that may have stood in the way are just the physicality of the work, its hard on the body. You have to be prepared for a physical challenge when projects arise, and I think learning how to work smarter and plan is key.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Megan Uhaze. I am a Trenton/Hamilton NJ born and raised artist. I attended Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia were I received my BFA in Art History and Fine art painting. I currently live and work in Hamilton NJ. After graduating art school in 2009 I was hired by the Seward Johnson Atelier as a Painter, then became a senior painter and am currently the Co-Head of the Finishing department for the company. The company was founded by sculptor Seward Johnson whos sculptures were produced at the studio up until his passing. The Atelier provides training for artists and skilled craftspersons in modeling, enlarging, casting, fabrication, paint and patina, and offers those production and conservation services for a fee to sculptors and cultural institutions with an emphasis on promoting public art. When an artist has an amazing idea but not the technical skill set or facility to make their idea a reality they come to us. As an artist here at the atelier I work on the finishing end of sculptural projects, painting, doing patina work, and doing restoration and preservation projects. I have had to pleasure of working on numerous works of art some displayed in public around the world others in private collections, museums and other institutions. I work with an amazing group of technicians and artists all highly trained in their fields, if you dream it we can make it.

Personally as an artist I am primarily a painter and printmaker. I show and sell my work in numerous venues across the northeast and have work in three permanent collections. My Paintings are primarily automotive paint on hard board. I fell in love with the industrial paints while using them at work and have been using them in my own private practice for years. My current body of work focusses on endangered species. As a printmaker I work in linocut, silkscreen, and wood block. I love to paint anything from traditional works on board and canvas, to motorcycle helmets, skate decks and furniture. I love bright colors and sharp patterns, my work is very graphic and bold. I love to volunteer my time to local art organizations, teach workshops, and give tours teaching others about process and artistic practices.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being and artist for me is the experiences and the people. My job has taken me to amazing places, a small town in Australia, the coast of England, a private horse ranch in Florida and many other places. through these jobs and these journeys I have met some amazing people and made amazing connections with other creatives in the field. I love being surrounded by the creative spirit, being around people who share my passions and my interests and getting to see new perspectives through other peoples art. I get to do what I love and it pays the bills and supports my family, and brings joy to others in the form of art along the way.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I think my journey is driven by my desire to make a life and a living doing what I love. When you decide to pursue art as a career I think the common reaction is wow that’s gonna be hard. I think some people who may have wanted to pursue art or a creative career may choose to do something else knowing that if they pursue art as a form of income they may never make good money or have a steady job. I want to prove that way of thinking wrong. The starving artist is a stereotype. Yes there may be people out there living the starving artist life, but there are tons of creative jobs, career and busnisses. Art can be a steady career and can be just as viable as other professions. Also artists are very hard working dedicated people who take their craft just as seriously as anyone else. I feel like also being a woman, I strive to be a role model for women who may come after me. I drive a forklift, load trucks, work with power tools, am certified in four different automotive paint systems, I use blowtorches and chemicals, operate articulated lifts and platform lifts. I’m capable of doing whatever I put my mind to, and so are they.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @muhazeartwork
• Facebook: @meganuhazeartwork

Image Credits
the seward johnson atelier the grounds for sculpture