I find immense joy in the dynamic interplay of painting. My process involves an exchange of emotions, allowing me to witness their transformation into tangible visual expressions. My approach is rooted in intuition, where I carefully select colors that mirror my current emotional state. Utilizing acrylics, charcoal, graphite, inks, and a variety of materials, I initiate my work by inscribing words that I later veil with thick paint – akin to guarding yet-to-be-revealed secrets.
Through the application of thick and thin paint, glazes, mark-making, and numerous layers, I explore the possibilities of different materials within the creative process. This experimentation forms an integral part of my artistic journey.
I've often expressed that my art is both a reflection of self-discovery and an exploration of design, color, line, and texture. Consequently, a single piece can undergo multiple transformations as I work through various layers, sessions, and emotional states. Each layer within my artwork represents a deeper layer of self-exploration.
Embracing curiosity and wonder, I engage with my inner world, delving into memories, dreams, and emotions that sometimes remain unspoken. My creative process is enriched by the connections I forge, both internally – with my soul – and externally, be it with nature or others. These profound encounters continually inform and shape my work.
Artist Statement
Bio
Crystal MacLean (b.1969, New York City) currently working and living along the Connecticut shoreline.
Education:
Art2Life Creative Visionary Program 2020, 2021, 2022
Language of Design with Mark Eanes 2021
Art2Life Academy 2020-present
Exhibitions
Juried Group Exhibitions:
2023 Madison Art Association, Madison, CT - 48th Annual Juried Exhibition
2023 Greenwich Art Society, Greenwich, CT - Flinn Gallery Summer Exhibit "Reviving Inner Rhythms”. Juror: Clare Davies, Associate Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Metropolitan Museum of of Art
2023 Essex Art Association, Essex, CT - The Heat is On Summer Exhibition
2023 Lyme Art Association, Old Lyme, CT - 3 paintings accepted in the Expanding Visions Exhbition
2023 Waterford Historical Society, Waterford, CT - Art in Waterford - Past, Present, Future Exhibition
2023 Essex Art Association, Essex, CT - Blue Skies Smiling at Me Exhibition
2023 Hygienic Art Gallery, New London, CT – 3 paintings accepted in The Crossing Exhibition
2022 Connecticut Women Artists Annual National Juried Exhibition
2022 Lyme Art Association, Old Lyme, CT - True Blue Exhibition
2022 Essex Art Association, Essex, CT – Inner Visions Exhibition
2022 Madison Art Society, Madison, CT – MAS 47th Annual Jury Show
2022 Lyme Art Association, Old Lyme, CT – 3 paintings accepted in Expanding Visions Exhibition
2022 Lyme Art Association, Old Lyme, CT – 2 paintings accepted in Four Acts: Black and White Exhibition
2022 Hygienic Art Gallery, New London, CT – 2 paintings accepted in The Crossing Exhibition
2021 Lyme Art Association, Old Lyme, CT – 3 paintings accepted in Expanding Visions Exhibition
2021 Hygienic Art Gallery, New London, CT - The Crossing Exhibition
2020 Lyme Art Association, Old Lyme, CT - Yin-Yang Exhibition
Group Exhibitions:
2023 Essex Art Association, Essex CT - Opposites Attract Open Show. Winner, Best of Show
2023 Essex Art Association, Essex, CT - By the Beautiful Sea Open Show
2021 CAFA+ Members
Affiliations:
Associate Member, Lyme Art Association
Elected Member, Essex Art Association
Member, Connecticut Women Artists
Member, Clinton Art Society
Member, Greenwich Art Society