Silk Road Wandering                                                       Nancy McKay, artist and teacher  
                                   

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About Me

   

I teach Silk Painting for the journey.  It is an ideal medium to nurture the creative process.  It is flexible as to use (fine art, wearables, décor) and for the variety of techniques that can be utilized.   Like no other medium, the awareness of lack of control is constant and therefore fosters experimentation and risk-taking.   Being present in the moment, in the flow of color across the surface of silk is a walk with beauty.  

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”   I enjoy experimenting - finding new ways, easier ways, and unique combinations of techniques to pass on.  I encourage students to break new ground with me and co-create in our learning community.  

My students have enjoyed the variety of learning experiences provided and the ability to achieve success regardless of skill level.  Evaluations have praised my knowledge of silk painting, teaching and artistic abilities, thoroughness of preparation, and encouragement.  I love the opportunity to guide their artistic journeys and to be present for those “a ha” moments.  

About My Silk Paintings

Guiding the flow of color across the surface of silk, floating, and dancing with beauty - the fine French dyes I use are difficult to control, like water-colors.  With abandon I carry on the conversation. Excitement and stimulation, fear, loss of control, and gratitude for being fixed in the moment – inspiration and process are one.

To further enhance the luminance of the silk fabric and dye, I texturize and augment the color by free-motion stitching.  I use a sewing machine, disabling the stitch length and directional controls so that I am able to “paint” with thread.  Though time consuming, this thread painting creates facets that reflect light from various angles, creating a glow across the surfaces – similar to how color appears in nature.

Education

Eastern Michigan University.  Master of Science.  Textile Arts. 1979.

Exhibits

"From Tradition to Innovation", Invitational Textile Exhibit.  Rackham Graduate School.  Fall, 2010

"Creative Paths in Fiber."  Riverside Arts Center. Ypsilanti, MI.  Fall, 2009.  Two of my pieces received “Viewer’s Choice” awards.

"All Media Open Competition, 2008. " Alfred Berkowitz Gallery, University of Michigan.  Dearborn, MI.   Summer, 2008.

"Ann Arbor Fiberarts Guild Annual Exhibit.", Power Center for the Performing Arts.  Ann Arbor, MI.    2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010.

"International Juried Exhibition."  Silk Painters International. Santa Fe, NM.  July 2004.  Prize in landscape painting.

"Convergence."  Hand Weavers’ Guild of America.  Grand Rapids, MI.  June 25 – July 1, 2006.  Collaborative work with Laura Seligman.  Our piece was featured on cover of the gallery guide to the conference.

"Gifts of Art."  University of Michigan Health System.  Fall, 2003.

"Asian Accent:  Botanical Art on Silk."  National Arboretum.  Fall, 2001

Teaching

John C. Campbell Folk School.  North Carolina.  Fiber Arts. Guest Faculty.   2004 -

The Clearing Folk School. Wisconsin.   2010

Ann Arbor Community Recreation and Education.  Ann Arbor, MI.   2010-

Two Twelve Art Center.  Saline, MI  2010-

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