Meet the Artist: Yaz Mehović

Yaz Mehović is a local artist based in Mansfield, Massachusetts. Finding inspiration in New England and beyond, he produces ink, graphite, and mixed media illustrations of buildings and urban places, capturing their geometrical uniqueness, intricate structures and aesthetics, while playing with the light, tonality, movement, perspective and negative space. Join us for his opening exhibition “New England through Lines and Shades” Thursday November 9th from 5:30pm-7:30pm. His work will be on display in the Groundwork Gallery until February 2024.

What materials do you work with?

I work with a variety of media. Mainly with ink, graphite, and charcoal, but also with watercolor, pastels,and acrylic.

Tell us about your current body of work. What motivated it?

The dominant focus of my work is the urban landscape. By taking subjects out of often crowded surroundings and moving them into the center of our attention I try to capture and illuminate features that often get overlooked or neglected. Many such elements are not only lost in an ever-expanding urban mosaic, but also missing due to often controversial development where many urban spaces and
neighborhoods have been razed down, and in that process, many landmarks – big and small — gone forever. Capturing the uniqueness of these places is a small quest to keep them preserved within a wider collective cultural memory.

Do you work full-time as an artist or do you wear other hats?

I work part-time in marketing and events planning. Over the past couple of years the art studio work has increasingly become the dominant sphere of my day-to-day life.

How do you integrate art into your life and other responsibilities?

It is an ongoing process. Learning from others, either by observing or through conversations. Work in various business spheres also provides us with valuable experiences and ideas on how to create and maintain a sustainable work-life balance.

How has your art practice evolved over the years?

From working on isolated small projects I gradually moved toward specific theme-based portfolios. Exploring new subject areas, experimenting with new techniques, and expanding the comfort zone became an integral part of professional and artistic growth.

What or who inspires you? 

People in my surroundings. Also, the creativity, optimism, and dynamism that can be found in the small New England towns and their communities.

Who are some of your favorite artists?

There are many. John Ruskin, James Whistler, Tamara De Lempicka, and Edward Hopper are some of them.

How is community important to you as a practicing artist? 

As an artist’s place and role in society continuously evolves, it is important to interact with members from both the artistic and wider community, to learn from them, and to be able to reflect on one’s own ideas and perspectives through interactions and working together.

What is the biggest challenge you face as an artist? 

Time management, for sure. Work in art bestows a lot of freedom and creativity but also demands more attention to deadlines and time allocation. To effectively collaborate and work with exhibitors, partners, and clients we need to be able to stick to often interwoven and fluctuating timelines.

What are your goals for the future?

Completion of the new studio space and moving into it by early next year. Also hope to use it as a gallery and events venue.