Pure interviews entrepreneur Maxine Laceby of Absolute Collagen

What is your earliest memory associated with art?
My earliest memory of art was at school, never ‘getting’ it, and thinking it was boring and never for someone like me.

Please could you tell us who or what has had the most significant influence on you in your life? Artemisia Gentileschi- the way she portrayed how most women must have really felt in Susanna and the Elders, she painted if from a women’s perspective and not the male gaze.

What was the last piece of art you purchased?
The frail rigging of my day by Eleanor Carlingford, I love her work, such fun.

What was the last exhibition you visited?
The Summer Exhibition at The Royal Academy 2019

Which period in art history do you most gravitate towards and why?
I recall being drawn to Brit Art and the YBA’s. It made me realise art didn’t have to be ‘polished’ and could have both a sense of humour and a more profound meaning at the same time.

When we can travel again, what international art destination would you most like to visit?
Not too far from home, I will 100% be heading to The National Gallery to see Artemisia, works by Artemisia Gentileschi. I read a book about her 5 years ago and have been somewhat obsessed with her since. The way she marketed herself by borrowing clothes and hiring a maid to parade herself discreetly in front of her would-be audience was remarkable especially in the 17th Century.

What work of art would you most like to own? 
Tracey Emin

Which artist (alive or dead) would you most like to have dinner with and why?
Tracey Emin, I totally get her.

What advice would you give to those aspiring to make a living out of selling their art?
Be authentic and never step away from who you are.

Instagram or Facebook?
Instagram

Tea or coffee?
Now that’s difficult, Coffee am and tea pm.

What is the most important thing to know about you?
My personal life is beautifully uneventful.

Please tell us one unexpected thing about yourself.
I raced a rickshaw 3000km across India last year- not so uneventful!

Final words…
I admire and am secretly envious of how artists can show their most intimate thoughts, feelings and ideologies through their work, sometimes blatant but often disguised.

I’m no artist but am honoured to have been invited as a selector for The Pure ART360 event in April 2021.