MacDonald Kevin J.

Interview by Mai-Liis Renaud
The Seeker September 6
Vol 4 Issue 34

Q1 When and where did you begin your career?
I attended St. Lawrence College here in Cornwall, graduating with a diploma in Graphic Design and Fine Arts and a College Certificate in Photography. After that I attended Sheridan College where I completed a certification in modeling and related careers.

Q2. How did you get into modeling?
While at Sheridan I was recruited by an International Top Model Agency and began modeling in Milan, Italy. Shortly after that I was recruited by Best One Modeling Agency for a contract in Paris, France.

Q3. When did you start painting?
Actually, while in Paris I was a frequent visitor to the art galleries like the Louvre, the Orsay Museum and the Picasso Museum, loving the culture of Paris, with the fashion designers and photographers and all the beauty surrounding me. Unfortunately though my modeling took up most of my time and I couldn't paint as much as I wanted to.

Q4. Where did you go next?
After Paris I was recruited by Ford Modeling Agency in N.Y.C. and lived there for five years. I loved the excitement of the West Village Art District and this along with the artists Salvador Dali, Botticelli and Michael Angelo was a great influence and inspiration on my painting. After more than a decade away, I returned to my hometown of Cornwall and set up my studio where I love to paint and teach Tai Chi (which I learnt while in N.Y.C.) I exhibited my art at Cafe Connectionz and the Grind and now have my first solo exhibition at TAG Art Gallery. It has taken me almost 20 years to accomplish this dream. The show is titled "From Paris to N.Y.C" - a collection of acrylic paintings which speak about my life experience.

Q5. What about the future?
I would like to paint larger pieces concentrating more n local people and would like to do some commission work for local businesses.