What is a joyous moment that you’ve experienced recently?
I just got back recently from a family reunion in Ontario, Canada. We had a few layovers and I realized how much I love wandering around airports alone, after I’ve gone through security and have some time to kill.
Why did you start making art?
When my parents checked out an illustrated children’s copy of “Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost. I loved the images so much of a horseback rider in the woods in winter and so I copied the pages and made a roughly-hewn five-year old replication of the book. I think that’s my first memory of finishing a “project” involving story and the visual arts and its been something I’ve been passionate about since I was a kid. I want to portray and convey things that speak to other people and make them feel less alone.
It is absolutely a dream job that I am trying to carve out every day.
Did you have to give anything up to pursue art?
Any sense of a stable to-do list or formula of exactly what needs to get done when I go to work. Paintings are very changeable, and keeping one’s plans open is crucial to making them work.
Besides this, what is another hidden talent, passion, or hobby of yours?
I’m a good parallel parker.
Are you close with your family?
Geographically, no. Emotionally, yeah. We all speak the same language, reference the same Simpsons quotes, etc.
Animal I Would Want to Be Most:
A butterfly. No one ever suspects the butterfly.
Morning Routine:
Depending on the day, I’m either driving my sister to her classes or I’m sweet-talking her into driving me to the studio.
Dream Tattoo:
If I got a tattoo, I would just want to scratch the thing off. It’s like an “Out damned spot!” kind of feeling. No offense to those who have them, it’s just a visceral reaction I have to things on my skin, whether its paint or ink.
Last Great Book I Read:
I just finished Lolita by Nabokov. Phew. It was a smooth and beautiful ride, but it was some seriously heavy content. It’s crazy that english is his second language. The way he plies it apart and turns it into different shapes.
Favorite TV Shows:
My So-Called Life, Malcolm in the Middle, Seinfeld, The Simpsons, Adventure Time, Portlandia.
Favorite Drink:
Coke zero. Out of a cup with ice. (Author commentary: she’s addicted!)
My Dream Collaboration:
Working with Peter Doig or Elizabeth Huey.
Favorite Comedians:
Mostly Fred Armisen and my sister.
Favorite Song of All Time:
“Me and My Woman” by Roy Harper.
What is the most traumatic thing you’ve gone through?
Being a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Also one of the most real, good things I’ve gone through. Also, public school?
If you could tell everyone in the world something, what would it be?
People are not questions to be answered and dismissed. I would also tell that to myself, everyday for the rest of my life.
You can find more of Madeline’s work here:
ididnotdrawthis.blogspot.com
Instagram:
@MadelineRupard
