Artist's Statement
Angela A. McElwain is an artist and writer in Chicago, IL. Using acrylics, collage and found objects she makes authentic, evocative art, foraging the depths of the human experience with the expectation that the observer counter with their own response.
The N.A.L. (Not A Landscape) painting series are abstracted works which question what makes a painting a landscape, per se. Each piece features a strong horizontal element suggesting a horizon line but Ms. McElwain’s painting technique reduces the implication of landscape to gestures, thus both implying and denying the image.
Referencing her assemblages, known as Constructs, Ms. McElwain states, When I work with secondary material, I am reminded that the cast-aside can be transformed into a thing of impactful eloquence. The objects I use must be visually interesting and tactile, since I begin by noticing their physical structures, then, by handling the things I sense their vibration. Lead is a favorite material because of its contrary qualities; it’s a plastic metal, the surface is beautiful yet marred, the greyness is industrial yet warm.
An accomplished draftsperson, her drawings are rendered with sensitivity and a deep understanding of anatomy and form. She describes her work as refined chaos. Aesthetic design, energy and information actuate her paintings, drawings and collages. Her constructs, refined in their overall form, the chaos originates in the found objects. Regardless of the medium, color is meant to impact, to punctuate.
Ms. McElwain’s work, stimulating and intuitive, speaks for itself.
All work as been copyrighted and is available for exhibition or purchase; for information contact [email protected]
The N.A.L. (Not A Landscape) painting series are abstracted works which question what makes a painting a landscape, per se. Each piece features a strong horizontal element suggesting a horizon line but Ms. McElwain’s painting technique reduces the implication of landscape to gestures, thus both implying and denying the image.
Referencing her assemblages, known as Constructs, Ms. McElwain states, When I work with secondary material, I am reminded that the cast-aside can be transformed into a thing of impactful eloquence. The objects I use must be visually interesting and tactile, since I begin by noticing their physical structures, then, by handling the things I sense their vibration. Lead is a favorite material because of its contrary qualities; it’s a plastic metal, the surface is beautiful yet marred, the greyness is industrial yet warm.
An accomplished draftsperson, her drawings are rendered with sensitivity and a deep understanding of anatomy and form. She describes her work as refined chaos. Aesthetic design, energy and information actuate her paintings, drawings and collages. Her constructs, refined in their overall form, the chaos originates in the found objects. Regardless of the medium, color is meant to impact, to punctuate.
Ms. McElwain’s work, stimulating and intuitive, speaks for itself.
All work as been copyrighted and is available for exhibition or purchase; for information contact [email protected]
