MAC MECHEM | ARTIST STATEMENT

A brief personal history as it relates to my artistic expression.
I went to Fresno State College to play football and when my eligibility ended I found myself dazed and confused about the future. Instead of facing the problem I chose to do the irresponsible thing and, like the nit wits in the movie “Animal House”, take a road trip. I sold my 57 Chevy, took a few dollars I had saved working at Pepsi Cola, and bought a round trip ticket to Europe. I spent a year hitchhiking throughout the continent, receiving a won-derful education visiting all the major museums in Europe and came home determined to be the best artist/teacher I could be.

Teaching as it relates to my artistic expression
To me, teaching has always been a critical component in my artistic life. Observing my students absorb technical and creative instruction then produce amazing works of original art has inspired me to push harder in my own artistic journey. In turn, I complete the crea-tive circle by sharing the new concepts I have learned with my students.

My artistic expression
I am a figurative painter who comments on the social, political, cultural, and religious aspects of human nature. Satire and humor are critical components of my expression as I attempt to lampoon and ridicule the vices, shortcomings, and follies of contemporary society. For me, the idea or content of the work is key and determines the symbols and forms visualized in my paintings. The classical techniques of composition, modeling of dark and light, perspective and light source are critical elements in creating a powerful visual impact in my work. I believe that art can be a tool for promoting cultural awareness and expediting social change.

A few months ago I began, along with my oil painting, creating cut paper collages. I am digitally illiterate and decided to try a technique I learned in the third grade. I use googled computer photos which I cut out with an exacto knife and glue down on paper. Then I have them enlarged on foamcore board. Finally, I use prisma color pencils to increase dark and light before enhancing color intensity. It usually takes me from two to six months to finish an oil painting and one to three days to complete a collage. Instant gratification, for sure, and a Godsend to an 87 year old artist who might, very well, be near the end of his creative career. The works in this exhibition are all collages.