Ian McConaghy SWAc
CrashCity exhibited at the SWAc Open in 2024
Born and raised in Plymouth, Ian has always been driven by a natural curiosity and desire to create artifacts. That motivation has guided him through his educational journey and career as an architect. It now plays a key role in his art practice.
In 2012, he established an art studio in Bristol, became a member of the North Bristol Writers Group, and entered a new phase in his creative life, delving deeper into art, exploring fresh ideas, and different forms of artistic expression. This marked a significant period of self-discovery.
Ian moved back to Devon in 2019, worked on a novel started in Bristol, which he completed during lockdown. It has remained a source of inspiration for his art. After joining the Devon Artists Network, he established a Torquay studio and participated in Devon Open Studios.
Based on drawings and paintings inspired by his book, he constructed a five-panel wall sculpture depicting a futuristic city; constructed from recycled materials, cardboard, paper and foam board salvaged from his architectural practice.
Neuworld, was exhibited at Torre Abbey, Torquay in 2021 and coincided with the book launch. Ian has since produced a number of wall sculptures and sculptures.
However, painting remains a major part of Ian's art practice. His working method includes collage elements, manipulating the image, and blending each piece with paint to give cohesion, building clarity until the work is complete.
These collage techniques are now being applied to sculptural work, to add colour and surface details. Collage paintings have also inspired new sculptural work. There is a constant cycle of reference points creating a dialogue with previous work, layering and building complexity in pursuit of new directions. Each piece invites the viewer to engage with an evolving story, that reflects the artist's journey of exploration and creativity.
Ian is a member of the South West Academy of Fine and Applied Arts and a member of the Torbay Guild of Artists, Brixham Art Society and Devon Artists Network.