ARTIST’S STATEMENT

I believe that art is an organic process that has a life of its own. Although I begin each piece with an idea or concept, my tools — paints, papers, chalks, pencils — form a partnership with me which help guide me to my finished product. The piece will form and re-form until I feel that the work is “right” and complete. Because I am not formerly trained as an artist I can break the unlearned rules with abandon. This gives me the freedom to experiment and find new avenues of expression.

I love the medium of collage because of my interest in color, texture, and composition. The idea to look not just at, but through, beneath, and around something is very compelling. I mix mediums by adding watercolor, acrylic, chalk, ink, pencils, and other products. This adds another dimension and the process becomes fascinating and limitless.

I hope the joy I find in the creative journey is evident in my work and thoroughly contagious.

Amy McElwain came to fine art by a very circuitous route. Growing up she was involved in dance and then music, winning several competitions and studying at the Crane School of Music in New York. Although she has had creative outlets all of her life, it wasn’t until the birth of her second child that she felt drawn to the medium of collage. She is book and self-taught and began mixing mediums as her curiosity and knowledge grew.

Ms. McElwain has been an executive board member of the Vacaville Art League
for several years. She participates in various art shows in the area and has
had her work exhibited in Contra Costa, Solano, Sonoma, and the Napa area.

707-451-2924