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Cheryl McCardle

 

Member profile details

Membership level
Senior 62+
First Name
Cheryl
Last Name
McCardle
Artist's Statement
My first memories of art go back to when I was about four years old. I had discovered a ballpoint pen and used it to "decorate" my dolls with lines and squiggles of dark blue. The idea of self-expression through art has always been a part of my life. While I experiment with most media, I primarily consider myself a painter. In using acrylic paints and mixed media, I can achieve many layers and luscious textures in my work. When I work, I am led by something deep inside of me. Call it the voice of God, spiritual inspiration or simply the subconscious.

At times, I see colors or symbols in my dreams or during a meditation. When I become spiritually connected, the inner critic goes away and allows the truth to emerge through my art. I love watching art happen. It’s as if I am the audience watching someone else going through the motions of creation. I take a journey into new territory and open my mind. I feel freed and joyful.

I am captivated by the way things change through aging, whether natural or man made. The evidence of age through layers of paint peeling away on a building or the natural deterioration of a fallen tree give a sense of history and presence that captures my imagination. Sometimes I create work that is peaceful and welcoming, which gives me a sense of serenity, as if I can create my perfect world. My work can also reflect times of chaos or anger that I need to express in a way that keeps me safe and sane. For me, art is the great healer. As I immerse myself in art, I let go of pain and find the ultimate joy of creation.
Artist's Bio
Cheryl McCardle grew up in Laurel, Maryland and currently lives in Clayton, NC. She lived in many parts of the country traveling with her husband while he was in the military. Cheryl was inspired by the natural beauty of the many places she saw, which influenced many of her early landscape paintings. The artist has been seriously painting and sculpting since 1990. She received a BA in Studio Art from George Mason University in 1996. Cheryl’s work is exhibited in her studio at 311 Gallery in Raleigh, NC.
Cheryl transitioned to a much more expressive and experimental style of painting and her work evolved into paintings that are textured and made up of many layers. She incorporates acrylic paint with cheesecloth, plaster, sand and other found objects to enrich her surfaces. Much of her work is intuitive and comes as much from emotion as her interpretation of imagery. The artist doesn’t like to feel limited in her creative explorations and is constantly seeking new forms of self-expression.
Cheryl has worked with various local arts organizations since moving to North Carolina. In 2008, the artist was chosen by Congressman Bob Etheridge to paint a “Red, White and Blue” themed Christmas ornament for the state of North Carolina to be displayed on the White House Christmas tree. Her ornament illustrated the “Mountains to Sea Trail.”
She received a United Arts Individual Artist Grant and the Outstanding Community Service in the Arts Award from Johnston County Arts Council. Cheryl has exhibited throughout the Triangle area. The artist also enjoys teaching creativity and painting classes.
Member Photo
Sample Artwork Thumbnail
Preferred Mediums
  • Acrylic
  • Mixed Media
  • Oil / Alkyd
  • Sculpture
Areas of Interest
  • Abstracts
 

Member photo albums (1 Album)


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