COLLEEN MCCARTY BIO

ARTIST STATEMENT A vast amount of my previous work encompasses figurative compositions.  With this as a focal point, I explore the figure in simple and complex shapes with the use of lines and color.  Figurative studies continue to be a        consistent theme throughout my work.  My abstract and figurative work is progressing in tandem, influencing each other, while maintaining their own identities.  I enjoy stylizing and abstracting the human figure.  My curiosity resides within the contrasts and connections of organic and geometric shapes.  The creation of positive and negative space supports shapes throughout these compositions The dominant line work and design elements in my work are the result of a merging with a previous series that I recently completed.  My challenge is making these abstract images legible for the viewer to approach them.  This enables space for the viewer to explore themselves within these pieces and interpret them on their own personal level.   My art is a vital part of my life and a primary method of channeling my interpretations of the world.  I paint to satisfy a spiritual hunger.  Creating art welcomes endless opportunities to express myself.  With these important tools, I am evolving as a professional artist and a person.  I aim to make a unique contribution to humanity’s artistic progression.

I have obtained a well rounded international liberal arts education.  This has expanded my knowledge in the art process, history, mediums, styles and techniques.  It enabled my studies abroad in South America.  I shared studio space with Ecuadorian artists in a Spanish speaking environment.  Here I collaborated on artistic ideas, and learned indigenous techniques and was exposed to other cultures. Bachelor of Arts, Augustana College, Rock Island, IL. May 2006 Cum Laude Major: Fine Arts Minor: Spanish EXHIBITIONS The following art exhibitions and publications have allowed me to share my art throughout the Quad City community and recognize my abilities.  They have aided my involvement with the community and expanded my networking and connections with other artists.   Venus Envy, Bucktown Center for the Arts, Davenport, IA. May 2008, 2007, 2006   The Figge Art Museum, "Follow the Horses", Davenport, IA. March 2007      Mid Coast Fine Arts, River Center, Davenport, IA. September 2006 State Street Gallery, Robert Morris College, Chicago, IL. May 2006 Augustana Senior Exhibit, Augustana Museum of Art, Rock Island, IL. May 2006 After Image Salon, Davenport, IA. Winter 2005 Davenport Art Stroll, Group show, Davenport, IA. August 2005 Peanut Gallery, Group show, Rock Island, IL. June 2005 Evergreen Artworks Gallery, Bettendorf, IA. 2005 Left Bank Art League, 30th Annual Art Fair, Rock Island, IL. June 2005 Celebrating Women in the Arts, presented by Sigma Alpha Iota, Augustana College, Rock Island, IL. April 2005 Thomas Tredway Library, Group show, Augustana College, Rock Island, IL. spring  2005 Vagina Monologues, accompanying exhibit, Augustana College, Rock Island, IL.  Winter 2004 College Center Exhibit, Group show, Augustana College, Rock Island, IL. Spring 2004 Bettendorf Public Library Exhibit, Group show, Bettendorf, IA. 2002 Pleasant Valley High School Administration Center, exhibit centerpiece, Bettendorf,   IA. 2002 Putnam Museum, Group show, Davenport, IA. 2001 Festival of Trees, Davenport, IA, November 2001 Quad City Arts, High School Exhibit, Rock Island, IL. 2001 Moline Public Library, Group show, Moline, IL. 2000 PUBLICATIONS •        En Gender, Augustana Feminist ‘Zine, Volume 2, 2005   •        Saga Art and Literary Magazine, Augustana College, Spring 2004, Fall 2004, cover art •        Under the Canopy, a poetry anthology, Quad City Metro Arts, 2002 •        At Ropes End, Anywhere but the Middle, CD, 2000