Artist Spotlight: Dave McCreary
Share a little bit about yourself and what you create.
Hi, I’m Dave. I grew up in Eagle Place and Holmedale. I left Brantford for a while, but then I came back – thankfully my wife Danielle came with me. My background is in illustration and graphic design, so not surprisingly, I pretty much draw cartoons and make signs. I try to create works that present everyday life in an absurd or ironic light – I think this can be the best approach to revealing truths, regardless of how silly they are.
What is your creative process like and what inspires it?
My creative process consists of compulsively jotting ideas and sketches in a notebook for months until I work out a concept for a series. Then I experiment with materials and drawing styles, discarding attempt after attempt until I find something that works. Then I just put my head down and motor on happily for months. My inspiration comes from advertising, television, current events and lately, the City of Brantford and its history. I work in a cluttered basement filled with books and cats.
What has been your favourite creative moment?
I can’t really think of a singular creative moment that stands out in my mind, but I do remember drawing a sweet picture of Winnie the Pooh when I was five. It was so good that my friends accused me of tracing. That’s how awesome it was.
What else do you enjoy doing with your time?
Along with creating art for exhibitions, I draw the editorial cartoons for the Brant News. I also read quite a bit – contemporary fiction, cultural studies, graphic design books, newspapers, magazines, comic books (by guys like Daniel Clowes and Charles Burns). I love to go out for a pint with friends and oddly enough, I love to play golf.
Does creativity run into your family? If so, who is creative and what do they do?
I got started in art because of my dad. He’s always been a versatile artist – he draws, paints and carves. He even used to spray-paint flames and skulls and sexy ladies on custom motorcycles in our garage!
How can we learn more about your work?
If you want to see more of my art you could check out my cartoons in the Brant News. Or maybe I could just get off my butt and actually create a website someday. Either or.
Upcoming Brantford Arts Block show, “Portraits of Inconsequence” – April 5th – 7pm-10pm
Where would you like your art to take you?
I can’t really ask for much more from my art. It challenges my brain, it makes me happy, it gives me a reason to have fun art openings. I guess it wouldn’t hurt if I made more decent money from it, though.
How long have you lived in Brantford?
I have lived in Brantford for about 30 years on and off. My family has lived here for generations.
What is your favourite restaurant in town?
I don’t really dine out much – my wife is an amazing cook – but I have been known to frequent the Piston Broke.
What local spaces or landmarks do you find inspiring?
I’m fascinated by Brantford’s brownfields and the factories that once occupied them. They’re like contaminated ghost towns of our industrial past.
What change would you like to see in Brantford?
One thing I would like to see in Brantford is even more locally owned restaurants and pubs. Can there ever really be too many?
