Jayme McKay
Artist Tattooist Muralist
Artist Statements
Piece of Mind, Exhibition by Jayme McKay
2023
​
“Tell your own story and you will be interesting”, Louise Bourgeois.
​
My current body of work focuses on my own mental health journey. By telling my story through my work, I am hoping to connect with others by means of introspection as a form of self-therapy. Mental health issues are more common than we often realize, yet there can be a stigma associated with discussing them. However, sharing my struggles visually helps break down these barriers and create a more open and supportive community. Being open about my vulnerabilities with mental illness can be daunting. I want to elevate my work by showcasing myself autobiographically with every aspect of my life, the good and the ugly. Uncovering my shame and insecurities allows me to empower myself as well. My journey with mental health has made me question a lot about daily living. That includes the need for escapism, what exactly my mental illness is, how I define myself as a woman, and societal beauty standards.
Romanticism and Rococo-style paintings are major influences on my work. The dramatic poses and softness of the female form depicted in these styles have always drawn my attention. I am fascinated by the way humans define ‘beautiful’ or ‘ugly’, ‘romantic’ and ‘funny’, ‘important’ and ‘mundane’, and the experimentation with these juxtapositions drives my working process. Mirrors, eyes, and make-up objects are motifs in my work used to explore themes related to identity, self-image, and self-reflection.
​
​
An Experience in Escapism, Exhibition by Jayme McKay
2022
​
This series of works - inspired by classic children’s storybook illustrations - visually follow my cat as the main character. The imagined narratives take place in an outdoor setting with other innocent woodland creatures; field mice, frogs, baby deer, birds, and other small animals. The paintings on display are mixed media made with acrylic paint, oil paint, spackle, glitter, varnish, gouache, and intaglio prints. I was led to this series by my lifelong love for my cat, Pumpkin, combined with my experience with children’s book illustration. I insert my cat into different scenarios involving friendships and different mischievous adventures. My rotund cat as the star figure helps push the humorous aspect of these adventures. Similar to life, these anthropomorphic scenes, while portraying domestic and civilized scenarios, can deceivingly suggest hints of detachment from reality and possible threats upon closer inspection.
Major themes I reflect upon in these works include escapism, denial, and the harsh realities of nature. Everyone can relate to the need for escapism during these unprecedented times. Dealing with the pandemic, college assignments, work, and the recent death of my 26-year-old brother have resulted in a dire call for my own escapism. This body of work includes seven pieces in various sizes. Larger works depict scenes as portals into a possible reality. As they get smaller, the imagery progressively becomes more fantastical and removed from reality. The golden thrift store frames add to the kitschy, domestic scenes in the paintings while also making these works feel more romanticized. At the end of the day, I want to create a series that can make myself and others happy, if only just for a few moments. Cats being placed in fantastical, storybook scenes is a way for me to achieve that goal.