Amanda McKinney

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Coming up: Artwork at the Dundas Valley School of Art, Art Auction 2012

Ongoing: Artwork available at the Art Gallery of Hamilton, Art Rental & Sales

Book: Natural Reaction Series, Hard Cover available for $50 + shipping

Commissions contact: manmckinney@gmail.com

Brief Biography

Growing up in the Niagara Wine region of Southern Ontario, I gained inspiration from an agricultural based community.

Currently I am a practicing artist. Beginning post secondary school in Early Childhood Education and Photography at Niagara College (2000-2002). This led to an Art Fundamentals Certificate at Sheridan College (2002-2003). Next I attended the Ontario College of Art & Design, during 2003-07, majoring in drawing and painting.

As a student at OCAD I began working as an Art Instructor at the Grimsby Public Art Gallery. Currently I work as the Lead Art Instructor at the Art Gallery of Hamilton.

Volunteering with the OCAD U Alumni Association I served as Secretary (2007) , Vice President and Exhibition Chair (2008-2012). OCAD U Alumni volunteer contributions include by are not limited to: Sketching Beauty at Nuit Blanche Toronto (2008), Curating the 1st Alumni Assoc. Exhibition (2010) and Curating the 2nd Alumni Assoc. Exhibition (2012).

Since 2008 I have also been an active volunteer with the Women’s Art Association of Hamilton. WAAH volunteer contributions include by are not limited to: A Night For Art Fundrasier and Exhibition at the Hamilton Conservatory for the Arts (2008), 115th Anniversary Celebration and Silent Auction at the Art Gallery of Hamilton (2009), Printmaking with Students at Memorial Public School (2009/2010), Artist critiques with Melissa Bennett Contemporary Curator at the Art Gallery of Hamilton (2010), Exhibition Assistant (2009-) and Workshop Coordinator (2010-).

Ever since I can remember I have had a place in my heart for nature and the arts. In 2004 I started making paper out of recycled materials. A few months later I applied the transfer process to my photographs and handmade paper. After months of trial and error I developed a technique to suit my vision. My first 'Black Tree' was exhibited at the OCAD Who Dunnit Mystery Art Sale 2004.

Black Tree's, Silhouette's of all kinds, Horses, People and Places are my specialty. Medium's I specialize in are Oil, Acrylic & Water paint, Relief & Screen Printing, Photography & Papermaking.

Commissions welcome

contact: manmckinney@gmail.com

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Artist Statement

A cross between the physical and philosophical. A hybrid of materials. My work leans towards environmental awareness, humanity and existence. Using recycled paper to create a new form of material. With the addition of a photograph I am combining one of the oldest art forms, papermaking, with one of the newest forms of art, digital photography. Creating a new mode of expression, reminiscent of Japanese block prints. The texture of the handmade paper heightens the sensory experience. The contrast of colours against the black lines of the photography mimics the fragments of our memories, which are often recalled through stimulation. Line, colour, texture, evoking memories, connecting the past with the present.

Compositions consider the elements of art such as line, colour and texture. Using images of a more natural environment to express the passage of time, I aim to create a sensory experience for the viewer. The changing seasons consistently show the strength found in the death and rebirth of nature. The materials I choose are a reaction to time and the environment in which we live. Recycling is a major element in my work. The paper I use to transfer photographs on, I make by hand from recycled paper. The reincarnation of materials, giving ‘garbage’ a new purpose and meaning, extending its time of life. I use archival mediums to persevere and strengthen the paper, reinforcing the extension of life.