ARTIST STATEMENT
The greatest influence and continuing inspiration for my artwork has been gleaned from natural world. As with many artists, I begin my work with an initial idea of what I am trying to express and allow the full vision to develop over time. Much of my imagery is based on biological forms from the cellular level to a recognizable object, plant, animal or being. I am also intrigued with the use of patterns and the compositions created by repetition and overlaying of images. There is an intuitive letting go and an attempt to tune into these visceral leaps of faith hoping that the finished work will evolve beyond my preconceived notions. Although I typically use traditional techniques and materials, it is how the imagery is used that I hope challenges the viewer to see beyond the surface impressions.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
As the daughter of artistic parents, Erin McNamara’s exposure to the fine arts began at an early age. She was born in Detroit, Michigan and moved to West Virginia at the age of 8 when her father began teaching at a liberal arts college. Erin decided to pursue a career in the arts by attending the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, her parent’s alma mater. After receiving her BFA, she was awarded with a Fellowship to study at the School of Art and Design in Dublin, Ireland. Upon returning to the United States through a series of serendipitous events and her knowledge of ceramic sculptural arts she began working as a journeywoman for the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Union in the field of historic architectural restoration in Chicago. She specialized in recreating sculptural elements on terracotta buildings that had been damaged or destroyed. In 2018 Erin was asked to become an instructor for the Union training center passing on her knowledge to apprentices and journeyworkers.
Throughout these years Erin kept making art utilizing various mediums and forms of expression. At times her work drew inspiration from the patterns adorning historic buildings. Her long standing interest in the natural world led her to complete a Certification in Botanical Art from the Morton Arboretum which sharpened her observational skills and increased her understanding of the complexity of biological patterns. Erin has exhibited locally and nationally and continues to pursue her creative ventures wherever they take her.
© Erin McNamara