Artist Q&A: Neeka Allsup
Welcome back to “Work in Progress,” our new blog. Nice to see you again! We had a Q&A session with Neeka Allsup, who has been with Untitled for almost two years. Read on to find out about her life and practice.
What’s your background? How did you get your start?
I grew up in a toy store. My genius and amazingly supportive parents had a children’s art gallery in the toy store that displayed local art, and I have been making and selling art since I was old enough to hold a crayon. I sold my drawings as soon as I could understand that money bought candy.
What is your artistic process?
I stretch my own canvas onto either handbuilt or reclaimed stretcher bars, and gesso my canvas gray. I sketch out an interesting composition in graphite and colored pencils. I start with white oil paint and blend into the pencil. Then I mix colors into the white on a circular brass end table with a glass top and continue to add color to the white until I am satisfied.
What draws you to oil paint?
Because oil paint takes so long to dry, it allows for a longer mixing time and the blending of colors is smoother. There’s more time to mix colors, fix things before they are dry and play with the shapes of things.
What themes do you explore with your art?
I am inspired by dreams, psychology, surrealism, existentialism, how to calm existential dread with color and image therapy.
Who or what inspires you?
Surrealism and surrealists inspire me, I love seeing how other people interpret reality through symbolism and metaphorical imagery.
How has your practice changed overtime?
I have had many different series and styles over my lifetime. In college, I painted a lot of psychedelic neon colored trees and strange birds that looked turned inside out. Then I started painting rooms with furniture in them. I started putting body parts in the walls and furniture, like they were being turned inside out too. Lately I’ve been painting a lot of surreal, invented landscapes in super muted colors, and my work is becoming more and more abstracted from reality.
Mermaid Boudoir, 30in x 40in, oil on panel
What have you been listening to lately?
I almost exclusively listen to Russian rap. It’s really trashy. But I love the psychology podcast Hidden Brain, I generally listen to that every week when a new one comes out.
Besides making art, what other interests do you have? Do you find that they influence your artmaking?
I like to study Russian and that has definitely influenced my art. I am inspired by soviet cartoons, architectural elements, and ornamentation.
The Animal House (Detail), 72in x 36in, oil on canvas, $4000
What’s your studio like?
I have a studio at the lovely art center Intersect. My studio is on a corner overlooking Jefferson street. It gets good natural light.
How do you overcome creative blocks?
I read self help books. I go on long walks. Take a bath. Try to draw something I have never drawn before.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Don’t drink or smoke so much weed. Floss your teeth. Exercise every day at least 20 minutes.
What growth would you like to see from your practice in the future?
I would like to paint more large-scale paintings and murals.
Why St. Louis?
Saint Louis has so much going on for it. There’s a rich history and a lively arts and culture scene. The free museums, beautiful sprawling parks, creative heavens everywhere, and a huge culture of creative reuse and appreciation for antiques and historical preservation. There is so much potential everywhere: beautiful (many abandoned) historic buildings, creative and unique businesses and experimental entrepreneurship. It is an interesting and creative place!
Mural by Neeka Allsup, located at 2311 Cherokee Street, St. Louis, MO
Thanks so much to Neeka Allsup for her time and insightful answers, and thank you for reading! Be sure to stick around for more interviews and other updates from Untitled Fine Art!