Art Opening of Charcoal drawings by Darla McKenna April 26, 2008

Artemis Healing Center exhibits charcoal drawings by Darla McKenna. Please come join us for the opening celebration Saturday Apr 26 from 6-8 pm.

Artist Statement

My drawings are a response to the natural world. Mountains, trees, a flowing river and clouds are my inspiration. I extract the formal commonalities of nature and distill them into my own macrocosm.

I choose charcoal because it provides a stark boldness, amplifying nature's mysteries. Charcoal produces rich, velvet values and crisp lines that I find pleasing. I rub powder charcoal onto the paper to achieve multiple tones. At times, tone is erased, lightened then reworked.

I work without visual reference; only memories of certain elements. Line is the backbone of the work. Color is limited or not included to focus on the beauty of the tone and line. I enjoy applying sensitive lines and feeling the receptiveness of the paper. Layers of lines build upon one another, a rhythm emerges and forms develop. The line accelerates and takes me where it wants to go. The experience is one of awareness, fluidity and expectancy.

Artist Bio

Darla McKenna was born in San Diego, California. Following in her mother's footsteps she has been creating art in multiple medias most her life. She received a BA in Studio art with an emphasis in painting from San Diego State University and also has a degree in Art Education from San Jose State University. Currently, she teaches art locally and is a full-time mother.

Event submitted by Eventful.com on behalf of bartt.