We got the chance to interview college student Megan Bailey. Based in Doncaster, Megan’s sculptures focus on using materials and transforming them into pieces of art.
Words: Megan Bailey
Photography: Megan Bailey
What inspired you to become an artist?
I originally wasn’t going into an art based industry. However, I was inspired by the work of Martin Parr to start with after looking at his work. I started my journey with just painting and drawing. However, I did start my art career doing photography.
How do you create art with fly tipping materials?
To start with the idea of creating work from fly tipping was a bit intimidating because this was the first time I wanted to do work like that. I just started by putting pieces together and playing with the materials I had in front of me. I found that different materials have different ways of being shaped. I like soft materials because of the shapes I can make from them.
Have you taken any inspiration from other artists?
When I originally started doing my sculptures I didn’t actually look at any artist because it was a spur of the moment decision. However, recently I found that there are many artists that do a similar style of work in their own unique way.
What are people’s opinions about your art?
I have managed to turn a few heads with my artwork. However, I’m trying to express that the environment is important and acts such as fly tipping are unacceptable. Saying this, I have received positive feedback from my work due to the concept behind my original idea.
What is your creative process when starting to create your art?
I have a sketchbook that all my initial ideas are in. I tend to just go to different fly tipping sites and re-arrange different materials to get my thought process flowing into my sculptures.
