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Joanne McLennan

Artist Statement for “Nesting” for “Where Birds Dream” Exhibit and Silent Auction, Winter 2010

“We all use the word ‘nesting’ when we think about making a home for ourselves. For me, that has simply meant getting comfortable with my surroundings. It’s a chance to gather and encircle myself with the things I love—things that make me feel right at home.

As a multi-media artist, I add to my studio’s ‘nest’ by collecting rusty hardware, wire, glass, gears, old wooden boxes, etc. I’m fascinated with the intrinsic beauty of common materials and objects, looking to transform junk into ‘art’.

I’m not a much of a bird watcher, but I have certainly observed their funny, often noisy antics and habits as they constantly feed themselves or gather twigs and shiny objects for their own nest building. So while

I was inclined to build them ‘a house’ it soon morphed into a more bird-like environment, a place where I imagined them showing off their favorite findings—be it nest-worthy, shiny, utilitarian or just plain chewy.”

Biography

Joanne has a degree in Fine Arts, then became a self-taught graphic designer for twenty five years. Now retired, she loves to experiment and explore the fine art of making things. She loves to integrate mixed-media materials into her work (paint, stone, paper, fibers, metal, wood, and yes, anything old and rusty).

Visit Joanne McLennan's website.