Art imitates life: Caitlyn Murphy on her Polaris Music Prize poster
'In total, I had three weeks to complete the poster. I was lucky that I had lots of time to brainstorm and play with how I wanted it to look,' says Murphy, the Mac alumna behind Basia Bulat's Polaris Music Prize poster. The Polaris gala award ceremony will take place Monday, Sept. 22.
McMaster alumna Caitlyn Murphy was recently selected to create an original piece of art for Basia Bulat — one of 10 finalists for the prestigious Polaris Music Prize for her album “Tall Tall Shadow.”
Widely considered the most coveted music award in Canada, the Polaris Music Prize honours one outstanding album each year — as voted on by a panel of jurors — regardless of genre, professional affiliation or sales history.
Each year, the 10 shortlist nominees are also recognized by an original work of art.
The Daily News recently caught up with Murphy, who earned a degree in Philosophy from McMaster in 2009, to get her take on designing the poster for Basia Bulat:
Tell me about your connection to Basia Bulat: When did you first discover her music, and why does it speak to you?
I found out about her music through one of my friends, and fell in love with her voice. She has a quiet femininity that I admire.
How long did it take you to create her Polaris Music Prize poster, from conception to completion?
In total, I had three weeks to complete the poster. I was lucky that I had lots of time to brainstorm and play with how I wanted it to look. Each year, Kid Icarus silkscreens the posters so they did the hard work for me.
Did Basia offer any input, in terms of themes or imagery?
I had no contact with Basia, so it was all up to me!
You seem to work primarily in graphite and gouache, with some digital components. What attracted you to using those mediums?
I always draw my sketches in pencil and almost always paint in acrylic or gouache. I started combining the two a year ago, and I really liked how it spices up my illustrations. I mainly love gouache because it dries so flat.
Even though you majored in Philosophy, how did studying at McMaster prepare you to excel as an artist?
I am able to explain my ideas concisely and coherently, in large part due to my Philosophy degree. It is extremely important to be able to express your vision to clients, and because of all those essays I had to write I feel confident in my abilities.
Did you have a favourite instructor or class while studying at the University?
I had a few classes with professor Barry Allen, and loved every one — especially Aesthetics.
What advice can you offer to current McMaster students who would like to pursue a career in fine art or graphic design?
Work hard. Dedicate time to drawing, visit the McMaster Museum of Art as much as you can and explore Hamilton. Don’t pay attention to what other people are making too much, and draw what makes you happy.
The Polaris Music Prize gala award ceremony will take place Monday, Sept. 22. View Murphy’s poster below:
