"I think of the word 'art' similarly to the word 'natural', often used yet the definition will go on indefinitely."
May 13, 2016
Peter McClintock is a painter in the Gateway Arts District at the McClintock Painting Studio. Learn about his passion, challenges and what drives him as an artist.
How did you discover the medium you currently work in?
I have pursued a variety of mediums over the years and felt an aptitude for most. Painting as a focus became a matter of practicality oddly enough. My other passion is woodwork which requires much in the way of space, machinery and materials. It is expensive and difficult to sustain as a purely creative venture. Painting, in my mind, has a greater scope of expression than most visual art, quite free from the laws of nature.
How do you define "artist"?
An artist makes art. One hopes it's a creative and unique enterprise. I think of the word "art" similarly to the word "natural", often used yet the definition will go on indefinitely. I prefer the descriptive terms; painter, sculptor, ceramist and so on.
How did you discover the Gateway Arts District?
In 1994, I was looking for a house for my family that I could afford in a community of like-minded people. Mount Rainier was such a place. Art districts are born in that kind of organic way. Ironic that these things always seem to begin with cheap real estate.
If you could give your younger self a piece of advice about being an artist, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self “Go to Virginia Tech and get that civil engineering degree.” Really, I would give myself more confidence, sadly that has to be earned or inborn.
What drives you?
I am driven by the dissatisfaction with my surroundings. Then later, dissatisfaction with the surroundings of others and my ability to do something positive about it.
What is your greatest challenge as an artist?
The failure of art education and critical thinking to remain relevant.The fact that most people lack an aesthetic foundation and the ability to make their own stylistic decisions. I suppose that is our task, to bring possibility to the table.
What are you working on right now?
A painting featuring those reflective orange construction vests, they seem iconic of late.
Peter McClintock
McClintock Painting Studio
peteroilonlinen.com
3613 Oak Lane Mt. Rainier, MD 20712
