Artist Bio for Diane McGarel

Diane McGarel
Email: mcgarelgraphics@sbcglobal.net
Website: http://web.me.com/dmcga456/McGarel_Graphics/Welcome.html


Bio: Diane McGarel was born on April 5th in Roseland, which is on the far Southside of Chicago IL. Ten years later, because of her father’s career advancement, she moved with her parents and siblings to the suburb of Chicago Heights, IL. Her father, a sexton for the Catholic Cemeteries, instilled in her a beauty for the various cemeteries’ art treasuries such as stain glass, headstones and mausoleums. From her mother, McGarel has gained the courage to redefine her career and follow her first love—art. Her art work combines painting with computer graphics. In 2004, McGarel earned a B.A. degree, majoring in Art History from Governors State University (GSU) and continued her education by earning a master’s master’s degree in Communications & Training while completing several graduate level art courses at GSU. Her first juried art show was in 2005, a natural juried event entitled, “The Christian Art Show,’ in which 3 of her pieces were on display. Since then, she has bited in numerous art shows. McGarel currently is a member of such organizations as the Tall
Grass Arts Association in Park Forest, the Illiana Artists Group of Munster, IN and the Union Street Artists Guild in Chicago Heights, IL.

Resume:
Selected Shows and Exhibitions:
2011 Mirrors of the Subconscious, Solo Show. S. Suburban College, South Holland, IL
2011 The Struggle for Art 111, an invitational Exhibit. CornerStone Bakery. Whiting, IN
2011 Illiana Artist Group Show, S. Shore Convention Center, Hammond, IN
2011 Unfulfilled. Solo Exhibition, Tinley Park Library, Tinley Park, IL
2010 Either/Or. Union Street Gallery, Chicago Hts, IL. Nat’l Juried Event
Juror: Jason Lahr. Curator of the S Bend Museum of Art, IL
2010 Collective Art Show. Glenwood-Lynwood Library, Lynwood, IL
2010 Between Fragmentation. Solo Exhibition, Frankfort Library, Frankfort, IL
2010 Image Attitude Impression. Union Street Gallery, Chicago Hts. IL Nat’l Juried Event
Juror: Geoffrey Bates. Director and Curator of the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park, IL
2009 Student Art Show. Governors State University. University Park, IL
Juror: Mark Zlotkowski. Professor, DePaul University, IL
Entrée’ entitled, Honesty is Never a Lie, awarded Honorable Mention.
2008 Mirrors and Masks, Union Street Artists Guild Collective Show, S. Suburban College,
2008 4th Annual Self Portrait Show. 33 Collective Gallery, Chicago, IL. Nat’l Juried Event
Juror: Joyce Morishita, Emeritus Professor: Governors State University, University Park, IL
Ph.D. in Art History and M.A. in Painting from Northwestern University
2008 Faye Light Silent Art Auction. Governors State University, University Park, IL
2008 Union Street Artist Guild Exhibiton. Union Street Gallery, Chicago Heights, IL
2007 Perceptives: Any Way You Look At It. Union Street Gallery, Chicago Heights, IL.
Juror: Allison Peters, Director of Exhibitions, Hyde Park Art Center, Nat’l juried event.
2007 Illiana Artists 11th Juried Regional Exhibition. Chesterton Art Center, IN.
Juror, Karen DePirro, Professional Artist, MA: Cranbrook Academy of Art.
Entrée entitled, Plunder and Asunder, awarded honorable mention, mixed media piece.
2007 Student Art Show. Governors State University, University Park, IL 60411
2007 National On-Line Self Portrait Exhibition. www.33collective.com/3rdPortrait/index.html
Juror: Matthew Ivan Cherry, Dean of Fine Arts, South Suburban College, IL
2007 Annual Artist Exhibition, Tall Grass Art Gallery, Park Forest, IL.
2007 Focus on Chicago: Photo and Digital Exhibition. 33 Collective Gallery, Chicago, IL.

S. Suburban Art Show- Mirror of the Subconcious

MIRRORS OF THE SUBCONSCIOUS

artist statement by Diane McGarel

Our images, passions, and individual perceptions are mere reflections, a mirrored image of whom we are and who we want to be. Since the subconscious is an uncontrolled thought, it can be altered, somewhat like a reflection in a mirror. The mirrored image only reflects from left to right but never from top to bottom. Images that appear left in real life will appear right in the mirrored image. Our subconscious, our individual thought processes are similar to mirrored image because they only reflect the subconscious (uncontrolled thoughts) through the conscious (controlled thoughts). Both our subconscious as well as our conscious manufactures truthful and false images simultaneously. The resulting representation solely depends on one’s own subjective reality. Mirrors are man-made manifestations of one’s own psyche. My series entitled, Mirrors of the Subconscious is just that, my uncontrolled thoughts processes distorted through a controlled environment (conscious thought) in a constant state of flux.

mcgarelgraphics:
http://web.me.com/dmcga456/McGarel_Graphics/Art_Works.html

South Suburban College-- April 25th 2011

© 2011 DJ McGarel, digital five 4 x 6 prints mounted on wood.

entitled: Uncontrolled ??

Mirrors of the Subconscious

Mirrors of the subconscious: Our images, passions, and individual perceptions are mere reflections, a mirror-image of who we are and who we want to be. Since the subconscious is uncontrolled thought, it can be altered, somewhat like a reflection in a mirror. The mirror-image only reflects from left to right, but never from top to bottom. Images that appear left in real life will appear right in the mirror-image. Our subconscious, our individual thought processes, are similar to the mirror-image because they only reflect the subconscious (uncontrolled thoughts) through the conscious (controlled thoughts). Both our subconscious as well as our conscious manufacture true and false images simultaneously. The resulting representation solely depends on one’s own subjective reality. Mirrors are man-made manifestations of one’s own psyche. My series, entitled “Mirrors of the Subconscious,” is just that, my uncontrolled thought processes, distorted, through a controlled environment (conscious thought), in a constant state of flux.

Process:

I begin each of my digital works of art by drawing, painting, and/or tossing dye onto canvas. I then scan the images onto my computer, altering them with a variety of computer programs. My mixed-media works evolve when I take the digital images, modify them, and then restructure them on canvas by using acrylic paints, metal, torn or ripped paper or canvas, and various other objects. (My predilection for abstract art is revealed in the preponderance of grids and fragmentation viewed in my artwork.)This technique presents viewers with my personal mode of expression, because it symbolizes, to me, the endless circle of life. Moreover, the digital and mixed-media possibilities invite viewers to interpret the works in fruitful and multiple ways, by offering infinite possibilities without limitations.

Influences:
My art is an expression of my experiences which have manifested in a collective process. In my adult life, I have been highly influenced by brothers Doug and Mike Starn, by whom I had been introduced to the notion that photography, same as painting, could have a tactile component. As such, I have incorporated texture into my works by surrounding the torn digital prints with paints, sand, and other materials. Other artists whom I admire are Chuck Close and Henri Matisse, individuals faced with human frailty whom did not let their physical setbacks cripple their creative energies; they overcame adversity, and, in the process of doing so, became innovators.

Contact info: McGarelGraphics@sbcglobal.net

Website: http://web.me.com/dmcga456/McGarel_Graphics/Welcome.html

more of my images can be viewed at mcgarelgraphics: http://web.me.com/dmcga456/McGarel_Graphics/Welcome.html

S Suburban Colleges Images

© 2011 DJ McGarel

titled: Vinum

digital 16 x 20 inches unframed

© 2011 DJ McGarel

untitled Digital image of 2-21-11

size: 16 x 20 inches unframed

In April I will have an exhibition @ S Suburban College

Considering titling the show, Mirrors of Subconscious.

At first was going to call the show, Same but Different

more of my images can be seen at mcgarelgraphics

http://web.me.com/dmcga456/McGarel_Graphics/Art_Works.html

Artist Talk at Tinley Park Library....

DUE TO THE WEATHER-- BLIZZARD OF 2011 THE TALK HAS BEEN RE-SCHEDULED.

NEW DATE & TIME: Sunday, 2/20/11 @ 2:00 PM. same place-- Tinley Park Library

Greetings All:

I will be giving an artist talk
on Wednesday, February 2nd
at 7:00 PM @ the

Tinley Park Public Library
7851 Timber Drive
Tinley Park, IL 60477
708-532-0160
tp_library@tplibrary.org

Please join me,
Diane McGarel as I will be discussing some of my current and future art projects.
This event is FREE & refreshments will be served.

http://triblocal.com/tinley-park/calendar/2011/02/02/artist-gallery-reception-unfulfilled/

Mcgarelgraphics: http://web.me.com/dmcga456/McGarel_Graphics/Art_Works.html

http://web.me.com/dmcga456/McGarel_Graphics/Blog_unProcessed/Entries/2011/1/11_3_Solo_Exhibitions_for_2011.html

UNFULFILLED

Art has personally been a healing process for me, adding comfort and joy to my life. While working on the exhibition, Journey towards Fulfillment, I began to realize that one can never be completely fulfilled—the challenges are too great and the hurdles are too large in number. And so, in a sense we are all unfulfilled. Whether we decide on filling the void with spiritual or intellectual healing, life’s journey often seems like a never-ending quest towards meaning, purpose and enlightenment. The steps we take, along with the process we choose, to getting fulfilled, are different for everyone. But ultimately we all aim at the same goal—to attain inner peace. Art creates that beacon for me, and allows me to explore, challenge and express my inner soul. Exploration of my works convey an inter voice to my audience in reaching to become fulfilled.

Tinley Park Library's Exhibition for February 2011

ARTIST TALK
@ Tinley Park Public Library
7:00 PM Wednesday February 2^nd

7851 Timber Drive
Tinley Park, IL 60477
(708) 532-0160
tp_library@tplibrary.org

Diane McGarel, a local award winning artist
will explain her current art pieces; past, present & future endeavors.

mcgarelgraphics website:

http://web.me.com/dmcga456/McGarel_Graphics/Blog_unProcessed/Entries/2011/1/11_3_Solo_Exhibitions_for_2011.html

Tinley Park Library's Exhibition for February 2011

UNFULFILLED

Art has personally been a healing process for me, adding comfort and joy to my life. While working on the exhibition, Journey towards Fulfillment, I began to realize that one can never be completely fulfilled—the challenges are too great and the hurdles are too large in number. And so, in a sense we are all unfulfilled. Whether we decide on filling the void with spiritual or intellectual healing, life’s journey often seems like a never-ending quest towards meaning, purpose and enlightenment. The steps we take, along with the process we choose, to getting fulfilled, are different for everyone. But ultimately we all aim at the same goal—to attain inner peace. Art creates that beacon for me, and allows me to explore, challenge and express my inner soul. Exploration of my works convey an inter voice to my audience in reaching to become fulfilled.

Process:

I begin each of my digital works of art by drawing, painting, or tossing dye onto canvas. I then scan the image onto my computer, altering it with a variety of computer programs. My mixed-media works evolve when I take the digital image, change it, and restructure it on the canvas by using acrylic paints, torn or ripped paper or canvas, metal, and various other objects, My predilection for abstract art is revealed in the preponderance of grids and fragmentation viewed in my artwork.

This technique offers the viewer my personal mode of expression because it symbolizes to me the endless circle of life. Similarly, the digital and mixed-media effect invites the viewer (or critic) to observe or interpret the works, by offering infinite possibilities without limitations.

Influences:
My art is an expression of all my experiences that have manifested in a collective process. In my adult life, I have been highly influenced by brothers Doug and Mike Starn. They were the first to introduce me to the notion that photography like paint should have a tactile component. Photography can be felt as well as just viewed by the viewer. As such, I have incorporated texture in my works by surrounding the torn digital prints with paints, sand and other materials. Other artists I admire are Chuck Close and Henri Mattise who when faced with human frailty did not let their handicaps cripple them. They creatively endured and even strived to overcome adversity, and in the process enhanced their art works.

Contact info: McGarelGraphics@sbcglobal.net

Website: mcgarelgraphics

http://web.me.com/dmcga456/McGarel_Graphics/Welcome.html