A Day in the Life - Joe McKee
Just like our ‘collecting stories’ series, a day in the life aims to de-mystify the art world, highlighting real-life stories of a typical day.
Join us as we follow Joe McKee, Founder of arts logistics company Solid Art Services, throughout his day in Southern California.
Joe McKee, Partner and COO of Solid Art Services
Joe McKee has worked on innumerable projects with a wide variety of art world clients in Los Angeles. After co-founding MAMA Gallery in 2015, he went on to manage logistics and operations at some of L.A.’s top art handling companies, before developing the global fine art division for Malca Amit. He has consulted for a number of emerging galleries and individuals while still finding time to cultivate his own art practice. Joe now brings his wealth of art install and logistical experience to the SOLID team.
Image: Joe McKee
Based in Los Angeles, Solid Art Services specializes in packing, shipping, installation, fabrication, and storage of works of art. CURA Art regularly relies on their expertise, and works with their team on various projects throughout the city.
How does your day start? Do you have one alarm in the morning or set multiple just in case?
My day starts with my body clock screeching at me about 1 minute before my alarm actually goes off.
Coffee, tea, or natural energy?
Strong coffee. Black as midnight on a moonless night.
What’s one thing you always make sure you have time for?
Tending to the various plant life in my garden. Mainly cacti.
What’s your commute to SOLID like? Do you listen to Podcasts, music, catch up on phone calls, or silence?
I’m fortunate enough to work remotely, primarily. However, when I do commute, it’s a 2.5 hour drive from the Mojave Desert to LA. Typically the car is filled with music or an audiobook. I’m currently listening to a book called On Mysticism by Simon Critchley.
What’s at the top of your to-do list today?
Play my new saxophone. Loudly.
What are some strategies you use when managing multiple projects and clients at the same time?
Unfortunately, I rely heavily on my phone and the various apps that it offers me. A blessing and a curse, these devices are! We have a lot of systems in place at SOLID, and I have such a great team around me that I can rely on when things get very busy. I’m very lucky to be surrounded by such incredible people. They make it all tick.
Tell us about some of your favorite aspects of your job?
My day to day consists of a lot of problem solving, whether it be game-planning complicated art installs, or working with tight deadlines for collectors, advisors, galleries, etc. It’s all pretty rewarding to make magic happen for our clients!
I feel pretty lucky to do what I do for a living. I’m fortunate enough to be surrounded by great people, all of whom are artists themselves, at SOLID. Being able to see the craftsmanship of such a wide variety of artworks is an added perk.
What is an essential tool or piece of equipment you can’t live without on the job?
My Australian/British mutant accent. I swear it helps people remember who I am.
What’s for lunch? Do you have a favorite local spot for team lunches?
My partner happens to be an amazing cook, so I'm completely and utterly spoiled. It’s typically Peruvian cuisine at home.
Your work takes you all around the city for different installs and deliveries, what is one location that really surprised you?
Over the years, I've had the pleasure of being in some incredible homes… but I don’t kiss and tell, or the NDA overlords might have something to say : )
SOLID’s team installing Damien Hirst’s, Radiance, 2018. Photo courtesy of the Zimmer Family Collection.
East or West Los Angeles?
Very very East. Joshua Tree.
Solid recently expanded to a bigger facility, what aspects of this expansion are you most excited about?
We can now accommodate more and more art collections. That is exciting. We honestly couldn't do it without our incredible warehouse team.
Crates of artwork stored at SOLID’s storage facility.
How do you switch off from work at the end of the day? How do you decompress?
It’s been a learning curve to draw healthy boundaries. This year began with such an immense workload. It seems to be slowing to a more manageable pace now. A sunset hike really helps me to get out of my head and back into my body.
What current or upcoming project(s) are you looking forward to? Are you able to tell us about them?
We love working with Liza at CURA Art. Anything she’s involved with, we are stoked to be a part of!
What’s one piece of advice that has shaped your approach to life or work?
“Know something about everything, and everything about something” - Aldous Huxley