Carmen McNall – USA

THREESOME

Living and working in San Francisco, in her most recent body of work, Carmen McNall has produced a collection of hand carved and painted wood panels. Each is inspired by the significance of organic items she has accumulated from places she holds profound connections to, collecting the essence of a place within an object. She uses mark making as a tool to reflect on the importance of these places and items, the relationships that inherently fasten her to them, and the empowering qualities these items retain.

ARTIST STATEMENT

My work tells the stories of female figures of strength, focusing on those who work with their hands; keeping alive the artifacts of humanity. I find great power in the passing down of trades from generation to generation, commanding a presence and pride as craft-makers and workers of dying traditions. Incorporating patterns, I find in nature, I reflects on the relationship of people and their environments as times change and we change.

Through my work, I try to recreate the emotional content of a time, place or face that I fear will be lost in the near future.  I am interested in capturing the odd experiences of the human condition.  The simple, quiet moments between large events.  The impacting details that make up life that are easily forgotten.