K.L. McGinley
Much of my work is influenced by my background in science and anthropology. I graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in anthropology and art, come from a family of scientists, physicians and artists, and have worked as a contract negotiator for research agreements between universities and biotech companies for cutting edge studies in the medical and life sciences. Art and science in my view should not be considered opposing or separate fields but rather are both important ways of creatively exploring and interpreting the seen and unseen worlds. A certain spirituality and curiosity often underlie both approaches and I attempt to capture that in my work.
I am intrigued by the beauty and primal power of both the macro – the new images transmitting from satellite telescopes and recent planetary exploration missions – and the micro – the molecular, genomic and atomic forms, compositions and processes present in all matter. Both exemplify the mystery and complexity of life and, along with the aerial landscapes included in the current series, give us views of the universe that have only recently been seen by human eyes. What intriguing shape, colors, patterns and energy are found in both the macro and micro worlds. The compositions for my acrylic paintings are derived from images from my own photographs and scientific literature. The patterns and ideas are worked into more abstract works with rich color and flowing paint that evoke rather than delineate these realities. The recent multi-media paintings, the Melting Series, reflect the geographic results of on-going climate change that is rapidly effecting the planet. My sculpture pieces are inspired by archeological shards and broken statuary that speak powerfully to the cycles of life and the past, present and possible future of the human condition. A cautionary tale in some instances, or a celebration of exuberant and robust existence in others.
Three photographic series include 'San Francisco Underfoot' that captures the quirky images, animal and human tracks, and poetic messages carved into the cement on San Francisco sidewalks as well the elegantly designed utility covers and plaques. An article with this sidewalk series was published in the magazine "Urbanist' produced by SPUR (the San Francisco Planning and Urban Design Research association). A second series 'Seal Rock' depicts a compelling composition of large rock formations jutting out of the water just off Ocean Beach in San Francisco photographed in varied weather, light, scenes, seasons and moods. My latest series is entitled 'Stylizied Clouds' in which I photograph the never ending drama of clouds and sky and then outline some of the cloud formations with ink (both ink pens and the Apple pen and iPad) to create new more graphic, stylized images. My influence in this project has been the Japanese artists Hokusai and Hiroshige, and the Japanese-American artists Obata, all who used lines to create a strong graphic feel to their paintings of nature as well as the graphic works of the woodcut masters.
I have studied painting, drawing, sculpture and photography at UC Berkeley, at Otis Parsons and the Martin Lubner Studio in Los Angeles, and at the Fort Mason Art Campus in San Francisco and various Apple store media workshops. I also worked in film production and learned the value of theatricality in the visual arts. My work has been exhibited and sold at a Solo Exhibit at China Basin Landing Main Lobby in the South of Market area in San Francisco, as well as Group Shows: Four shows for ArtWorkSF, the SOMARTS Cultural Center annual show, the UCSF Faculty and Staff art s gallery in San Francisco, CA, the Provincetown Art Association and Museum group shows in Provincetown, MA; and through my studios in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
