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THE SPIRITUAL IN
ABSTRACT: Paintings by Linda McCray
This
exhibition features boundary-transcending abstract spiritual
paintings by Clancy-based artist Linda McCray. All cultures
throughout the ages have created spiritual art—McCray’s
ethereal abstraction and soulful conceptual work brings
up-to-date the oldest theme in art, the spiritual. While her
provocative paintings have specific meaning to herself, McCray
underlies her transcendent illuminations with cross-cultural
sensibilities to ignite spiritual curiosity and unique
experiences for all.
Artist-In-Residency Project: The
Gospel Truths Series
Newspaper Article PAINTING TOWARD THE LIGHT: Linda McCray merges her art and spiritual life by Marga Lincoln
Virtual Tour Panel Discussion: The Spiritual in Abstract How do art and spirituality connect? This lively discussion brings together history, spirituality, and art. Panelists: Hipólito Rafael Chacón, Ph.D.; Reverend Edward Hislop, M.Div., MA Liturgical Studies; and Linda McCray, MFA. Moderated by Cara Ewing, BFA.
Paintings in
Exhibition
Acrylic and ash with sand from the River
Jordan and Montana on floating wood panel
Acrylic with sand from the River Jordan and Montana on floating wood
panel
Acrylic with sand from the River Jordan and Montana on floating wood
panel
Called to the Light
Through the fog of life, we are called to the Light. Our difficult times
are expressed by moody subdued colors, stormy abrasive textures and
modern drip lines. Unclear luminous yellows, purples and blues speak of
our uncertain times.
Acrylic with sand from the River Jordan and Montana on floating wood
panel
Glimmer of Grace Light pours down on us, even in turbulent times. Bold brushstrokes thrust dark browns, golden yellows and gray blues into chaos. Splashes of gold paint convey mysterious blessings in disguise.
Acrylic with sand from the River Jordan and Montana on floating wood
panel
Rivers of Love The Light of love emanates from the center and flows in all directions. Blue and light yellow lines express spiritual nourishment reaching all of us. Harmonious fields of unifying colors speak of diversity in our oneness.
Acrylic with sand from the River Jordan and Montana on floating wood
panel
Body & Spirit Our earthly body is portrayed with heavy textured paint grounded with sand from the River Jordan and Montana. The free flowing modern drip lines and droplets express our mystical spirit. The two entwine in wholeness. Transcendent blue gives way to sublime Light.
Acrylic with sand from the River Jordan and Montana on floating wood
panel
Passion to Pentecost Passion and five wounds are symbolized with red drips, resurrection with gold drips upward, and Pentecost with a few white brushstrokes evoking a dove and the color red flaming down from above. The triptych format of three panels is a symbol for the Trinity, which came to be on Pentecost.
Acrylic with sand from the River Jordan and Montana on floating wood
panel
Inner Light: Madonna and Child This painting was inspired by a traditional Madonna and Child icon. The large gold semicircle is a symbol for Madonna, and the smaller one her Child. They are portrayed by the holiness of their inner light, rather than their unique facial features. They represent all people. I hope my contemporary icon inspires others to see Light in mother, child and everyone.
Acrylic with sand from the River Jordan and Montana on floating wood
panel
Embraced in Spirit Sweeping white textured paint forms a subtle abstract dove, a symbol for the Spirit. We are all embraced by the Spirit, which is conveyed by an encompassing elliptical mystical aura of light, blue and gold. Deep translucent blues immerse us in the cosmos and thundering gold directs us to the Light.
Acrylic with sand from the River Jordan and Montana on floating wood
panel
Living Water A welling up of living water is conveyed through spattered deep blue paint in an upward direction. An explosion of colors, from light yellow to burnt orange, symbolizes radiating Light.
Acrylic with sand from the River Jordan and Montana on floating wood
panel
Comfort
While I was painting, I was reflecting on the comfort of being held in
the womb of Sophia Wisdom, the Wisdom of our Creator. The outer large
circle symbolizes Sophia Wisdom and the inner small circle one of us,
open and receiving her Light. The deep rose color and gold express
feminine divinity. The cosmic colors mysteriously take us beyond.
Acrylic with sand from the River Jordan and Montana on floating wood
panel
Light of Hope From this darkness, I invite everyone into the blazing orange light of warmth and peace. Universal tough times are expressed through rough green texture, blue emotions, and red drips of pain.
Acrylic with sand from the River Jordan and Montana on floating wood
panel
Rays of Peace Rays of peace are conveyed through modern gold drip lines flowing from a field of blue. Bold white brush marks symbolize the Spirit, from which dramatic spattered gold rays of peace touch all of us. I was inspired by Baroque art that is known for its use of gold and drama.
Acrylic with sand from the River Jordan and Montana on floating wood
panel
I Am The inner gold and radiating light of this unscathed burning bush symbolizes “I Am.”
Acrylic with sand from the River Jordan and Montana on floating wood
panel
In & Within The mystery of our Creator all around us is conveyed with the outer gestural implied circle and spectrum of subtle colors. The square speaks of our humanity and the small circle our inner light. Traditionally, circles symbolize divinity and squares humanity.
Acrylic with sand from the River Jordan and Montana on floating wood
panel
Gathering into One Spirit Regardless of our diverse journeys, we yearn to gather into one spirit. We are represented by gold circles. Distinct circles represent individuals who are beginning to gather, overlapping circles represent supporting one another along our way and dissolving circles convey becoming one Spirit of Light.
Acrylic with sand from the River Jordan and Montana on floating wood
panel
True Presence Enter into the warmth and peace of the Light through yellows, oranges and earth tones.
Acrylic with sand from the River Jordan and Montana on floating wood
panel
Two Hearts in One The outer red heart symbolizes our human hearts and the inner heart of light our Spirit. Light radiates from our hearts. The celestial orb of thrown gold paint can be interpreted in countless ways, including a crown of thorns and the energy of love.
Acrylic with sand from the River Jordan and Montana on floating wood
panel
Epiphany Sweeping textured gold paint creates a shelter for the family. Red silhouettes portray people following a mysterious golden light. A mystical sky is illuminated with lively yellows and purples. The Epiphany story is in a globe shape to express the Light of the world!
Acrylic with sand from the River Jordan and Montana on floating wood
panel
Healing Light Whether we look within to our individual brokenness or outward to global division, Light heals us.
Acrylic with sand from the River Jordan and Montana on floating wood
panel
Manna Gold droplets softly rain down to evoke the mystical grace of manna, bread from above. The mystery of spiritual nourishment flows in celestial blues, purples and greens. Modern gold drip lines transport winds of the Spirit.
Acrylic with sand from the River Jordan and Montana on floating wood
panel
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A painting for every season!
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