The Others
Meet the Others: Victoria McNeill
The Game Changers. The Rule Breakers. The Innovators. Discover some of the fantastic emerging talent showcasing their work at The Other Art Fair.
Victoria McNeill is a multi-award-winning, Sydney based photographer with a background in Graphic Design. Born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand she spent much of her early life surrounded by beaches indulging in windsurfing and sailing. Having been traditionally trained in photography and with a ‘you only get one chance’ attitude, she approaches using digital photography the same way. Her works look closely at the landscape, and its relationship with the sea and sky. Victoria explores its ever changing forms and aims to help people renew awareness and appreciation of their environment, always trying to avoid much represented clichés of coastline imagery. Although Victoria has a strong focus with the ocean and underwater photography, with the current situation facing the world she has looked closer to home for inspiration.
Q&A with the Artist
Tell us about who you are and what you do. What is your background?
I am a Sydney-based ocean and seascape photographer. My background is graphic design, where I was often art directing photographers and more recently I have switched to get back behind the camera about 3 years ago.
Can you walk us through your process? How long do you spend on one work? How do you know when it’s finished?
I like to head out with my camera with one idea to work on, whether its long exposure, small details or a powerful surf. I shoot single frame, very rarely burst. It’s probably the way I was taught when shooting with film – there is usually only one chance to get it right.
Where do you draw inspiration from and what does your work aim to say?
My works look closely at the landscape, and its relationship with the sea and sky. I love exploring its ever-changing forms and aim to help people renew awareness and appreciation of their environment, always trying to avoid much represented clichés of coastline imagery.
How has your style and practice changed over the years?
As a photographer and artist, I am always changing. There are so many ideas running through my head but never enough time.
What was the best advice given to you as an artist?
Look for the light.
If you could own any artwork from any Museum or Gallery from around the world, which would you choose?
Now this is a tough one! There are so many to choose from but off the top of my head I would say a painting from the brilliant Julian Meagher.
Shop artwork by Victoria and other trailblazing artists at The Other Art Fair’s Online Studios.
Introducing The Other Art Fair Online Studios, a new online platform offering art lovers around the world access to over 800 Fair artists. The Online Studios will keep our community feeling inspired, engaged, and continue to spread joy through art.
