Featured Artist Carol Meckling

Artist Carol Meckling paints bold, striking images, including real and imagined landscapes. Discover more of her work by visiting her website.

 

 

INTENTION—STILLNESS—ACTIVITY. Appreciating the nature of things as they are.

 

 

I love the immediacy of acrylic paint, the vibrancy of the colors, how the paint moves across the surface—it generates a very satisfying feeling! I also enjoy the active meditation that happens while making art; the incredibly focused attention, and being really present with what I’m doing. Time seems to stand still.

 

 

Over the years I’ve cultivated an attitude of directness and unselfconsciousness in my painting that allows for spontaneity in the moment. I love seeing what happens naturally when paint lands on the surface.

 

 

The process of painting allows me to problem solve in a way that feels powerful, joyful and not so burdened. Although there is definitely frustration, incredible insecurity at times, agitation and vulnerability when making art, it’s also where I’ve had the opportunity to wrestle with my demons.

 

 

In addition, there is something powerful and useful in the container of making art that eventually keeps all that I feel in perspective. Stepping into the creative flow, I feel most authentic, most in my body, calm, grounded and clear.

 

 

Art has no boundaries and yet I’m constantly coming up against the boundaries inherent in the materials. Then I remember that I don’t have to be so careful in art. Are there any mistakes?

 

 

Each piece of art is the culmination of my life experiences, from the execution of the techniques I’ve learned, to the endless images I store in my brain and subconscious, to what I learn from observing the natural world and observing the nature of thing—a moment defined in a constantly changing natural world.

 

 

I currently paint with acrylic and sometimes with other media, on wood and repurposed materials, including hollow core doors. The doors are not reused as a door, but are transformed and repurposed as a painting.

 

 

I received my BA in fine art, eventually pursuing a combined interest in art, psychology and mindfulness meditation at Antioch New England Graduate School. I studied Expressive Arts Therapy and received an MA in Counseling Psychology.

 

 

Art, psychology and Buddhist study and practice have all helped shape who I am as a person and an artist. When I make art, I observe the natural world and the nature of things.  It’s all about the process—I try to be engaged fully in the present and stay there as best I can.

 

 

Helping others discover their path for self-expression during a fulfilling career, I moved to Durango, Colorado to focus on pursuing my self-expression. Living in Durango and being able to experience the beauty of the surrounding country and all that it encompasses has fueled a deeper exploration of painting, ceramics, fiber art and mixed media. I have discovered that, to my surprise, I love to paint landscapes—real, abstracted and imagined.

 

Artist Carol Meckling invites you to follow her on Instagram and Facebook.

 

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