Gail McCoy
Painting
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"Some years ago I faced a personal crisis. In the spring of that year 3 cranes came everyday to the field beside my house. From the first sighting I felt an emotional calm that had been absent in the previous months. It is as if these birds were the vital sign that after a winter of emotional pain my life would soon be right again. I watched for them each day and they always returned bringing a certainty of hope and the courage to start over.
Nature heals. Cranes are a symbol of hope and healing and are often the subject of my artwork. Through my artistic expression healing emotion reaches out to you. It is my hope these collages invite you to sense the tranquility and mystery nature brings as it heals.
Natural beauty inspires me. Whether it be hiking Lake Louise in Canada, viewing ancient petroglyphs in the West, driving the lush lanes of Ireland or biking Wisconsin trails I find a deep connection to the landscape. As I travel, I look for artists who reflect their own connection with nature through paint,sculpture,architecture. Seeing a variety of artistic interpretations enhances my growth as an artist. Traveling confirms how the natural world enriches us and that is what I convey in my collages.
Spending 29 years teaching was an outlet for my creativity and imagination. I thrived on the daily interaction with children and adults. When I retired I decided to explore an inner artistic life. After a year of watercolor classes I learned a technique for creating my own paper for collage. It opened a new world of experimentation. I developed a style of unique, one of a kind collages with distinctive backgrounds. Using my imagination and creativity in this way has been invigorating and fulfilling. Retirement has been busy, growing experience.
My family continues to support me on this journey. We have children in WI,Iowa and North Carolina. Visiting them has expanded our travel destinations. I also continue with art classes. I belong to several art groups and exhibit as often as possible. I love the journey of a life long learner.
You can contact me through email mccoygkj@yahoo.com and follow GailMcCoyArt on Facebook. My husband and I live in Sun Prairie,WI. You can stop at my studio by appointment".