Creative Thursday Yvonne McClement

This weeks Creative Thursday is with Govanhill based collage artist, decorative painter and sculpture conservator Yvonne McClement. It is also very well timed coming the day before her work goes on display in a show at the Go Slow Cafe titled "Ottocats" opens 8pm 7 October. Look out for her shuffling around Govanhill and rescuing amphibians from fallen foliage.

SSH: What do you do?

My practice is based on finding the right images that can be blended together to create a seamless new character, often using animal heads and attaching them to portrait paintings from artists such as Otto Dix and Ingres. The precision of the cutting of the figures is really important in my work, and the more detail to cut out the better! I'm also starting to play with gold leaf water gilding, using the shadow created by the gold on the glass to create a three dimensional effect. http://yvonnechiffon.tumblr.com/

I studied sculpture at Glasgow School of art, where I often found myself using collage elements, most importantly I enjoyed detailed work, and for this reason, I went on the study an MA in Conservation of Historic Objects. For the last two years, I have been working with Graciela Ainsworth Sculpture Conservation, working on various sculptures in Glasgow, including the Bengal tigress in Kelvingrove, and the Elder sculptures in Govan. This last year was spent working on the restoration of Stirling Castle royal apartments, which involved decorative painting, gilding and heraldry for six rooms. I'm now focusing on my own work again, and feel that I have been very lucky to experience so many different practices.

SSH: What is your favourite piece of work?One of my favourite pieces of work at the moment is a collage using portrait of Philbert Riviere by Ingres, with hand-painted wallpaper. I love the composition and the cat head works perfectly.

SSH: Apart from your exhibition at Go Slow what are you up to?I'm planning to spend more time experimenting with glass gilding. Perfecting my technique and getting the recipe right for the water size, I hear a touch of Gin works a treat!

SSH: Name another Southside Creative who you think we should ll check out?

Lola Dupre is definitely top of my list, her work is truly inspiring, and her dedication is something to be admired.

SSH: Favourite space in the southside?

Go Slow for coffee and late breakfast with friends, Rose is the perfect host! I also love walking in the park, I have a dog, so we're out in all weather, and when your there everyday you witness the changing seasons and wildlife. We were at the small pond last year when the frogs arrived for spawning, amazing, loud croaks, frogs jumping all around us, coming from all directions. My favourite was one with a leaf attached to its back, heading the wrong way. (I of course, removed said leaf).

SSH: If money was no option what would you change in the Southside?

I would install public sculpture in the park, I absolutely love to walk in and around sculpture, and would love to see Queen's park with a few of its own. Lots of Bronze, I love a weathered bronze patina.

I would definitely have a fountain in the large pond, with charging horses spurting jets of water (this of course would be clear and blue), you could dip your feet in on a hot day.

SSH: Tell us one unusual fact about yourself?

All my shoes are too big for me as I have really small feet. Look out for me shuffling around Govanhill.