Victoria General
Biography
Specializing in figurative narrative art, Toronto based Victoria General’s work often focuses on a figurative narrative theme, and she incorporates her life-long love of literature and history into her practice while utilizing various mediums. Often tongue-in-cheek, General captures a sense of fragility in the featured, anonymous characters. Her artwork has been exhibited extensively internationally, and is in private collections globally.
What’s your background?
I’m based in Toronto. While I have always drawn, it was just several years ago that I decided to publicly share my work and attempt to take it to the next level. It’s been an interesting and, at times, crazy ride thus far.
What does it mean to you to win the Collectors Art Prize?
It’s such a lovely surprise! I’m so appreciative to have my work recognized in this way. When the notification came I was in the middle of doing a drawing (of which I instantly forgot all about, a rare feat as I normally go into a quasi trance of sorts… hopefully this tells you something about my delight!). Ideally, this will enable me to reach out to a newer audience and make new, ongoing connections. It’s all too easy for an artist to work in a rather isolated vacuum of sorts, and this prize (along with this interview!) has reminded me that my work has (at least at times) been impactful. Thank you!
What do you think is the role of art in the world today?
The only way I know how to answer this question is from a personal perspective. When I was a child my grandparents had a print of the illustrator and artist Arthur C Michael hanging in their drawing room. It was titled ‘The tale of a glorious end’, and depicted a soldier who was relaying the devastating news of a family member who had been killed in the line of duty. I can recall becoming lost in this painting, carefully viewing the various expressions of each figure and noting the different reactions to the ‘tale’ (albeit all with an obvious common love for the fallen soldier). However romanticized the subject matter, the scene fascinated me, and I felt entirely swept up with the story of the painting.
Another time, more recently, I was able to see some of Vermeer’s work up close and personal at the Met in New York. As I stood in front of each piece studying the various aspects I suddenly found myself overcome with emotion at the sheer beauty of his exquisite sense of sensitivity and ability in capturing the still moments in the various figures. I actually had tears running down my cheeks!
I mention these two examples of how art has affected me in the hopes that they may convey what I believe the role of art to be - an evocation of imagination and emotion. That’s not say this is the *only* role of art in the world today - far from it! But it is the role which speaks to me most profoundly.
What would it be if you could change one thing about the art world?
The sense of elitism and connection-based achievement in the art world is something which unfortunately has been long fostered (so and so knows so and so and so and so suddenly becomes an overnight success etc etc) This type of inner networking is both antiquated and a grave mistake in terms of missed opportunities for both artists and collectors, in my opinion. There are so many ways to see undiscovered art these days via social media platforms, art fairs, pop-up galleries (to name but a few). I wish the art world would be more embracing of this relatively recent shift and drop the veneer of being some sort of exclusive, elusive club.
What are your most significant professional achievements?
There are several that come to mind but I think perhaps most importantly for this interview is the simple fact that I have maintained the course of following my own instincts and vision… the noise of the art world can be so distracting, and I have (so far!) managed to not let it impede upon my artistic process. It’s been a delicate balancing act, and I hope I don’t lose my footing in this regard.
What do you wish to tell viewers about your work that might not come out explicitly? What do you hope to inspire with your artwork?
I think that throughout my work there is a prevailing theme of connectivity in that most of the characters, while seemingly unrelated, share an over-arching bond of misplacement, somehow. Sometimes they are at ease in their surroundings, at other times they seem to be peculiarly ill at ease… Whatever their predicament, they are always sure to let me know. It’s a strange process… while of course I always have the initial say as to how they will be drawn or painted, more often than not the final decision rests with them when it comes to how they are really feeling. Magical malarky? Perhaps. Yet it truly doesn’t feel that way during the process.
In terms of what I hope to inspire? Likely two-fold: a sense of familiarity and a sense of escapism. A bit similar to that vague sensation known as déjà vu, perhaps.
What advice would you give to the upcoming generation of artists?
Stay clear of art world trends! They usually have a fleeting shelf life (wall life? screen life?) for a reason. Also, I would recommend the time honoured advice of trusting your instincts, while recognizing both your capacities *and* limitations. It’s truly okay (indeed, a good thing) to be impressed by another artist’s work and not feel threatened but rather appreciative of their skills. Just remember to also be appreciative of your own growing abilities as well.
Avoid any gallery or curator that does not treat you with respect. These relationships must be two-sided - if you feel a sense of having been ignored, mistreated, or under-represented, never work with them again. There will be times that you will be spoken to in a patronizing way - I’ve had my fair share of this and no doubt there will be more to come… recognize that this usually stems from the individual’s own sense of insecurity and not your worth as an artist (developing a good inner-eye rolling technique is helpful in this regard.) ;)
Lastly I suppose I would suggest (if possible) to have a room or two that doesn’t have a single speck of your artwork in sight! You need breaks from your work just like everyone else does.
In what direction would you like to see your career go in the next five years?
I foresee my work becoming larger (literally) . I tend to primarily draw/paint smaller compositions, mainly due to a lack of physical space as well as some pretty severe joint challenges which I always need to be cautious of when composing in certain positions. Once I can acquire what for me would be the perfect studio space, well, I think it’s a pretty safe bet to assume that there will be many new and interesting characters and situations looming about on a rather large-scale.
Oh and of course I would like to see my art at The Met. ;)
Country Canada
