Artist Statement:
My paintings convey the essence of land and the formlessness of atmosphere through abstraction and minimalism. I choose not “to paint the lily”, but rather the obscurity of a horizon line shrouded in mist. Internal dialogue and environmental forces are revealed in layers of acrylic paint and mixed media. Often combining found objects with unconventional painting methods, my art explores material, change, and resilience.
Artist Bio:
Garlyn MaGinnis is a contemporary abstract landscape painter. A passion for painting began in early childhood, first inspired by her mother, who was also an artist. Garlyn holds a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design from The College of Saint Rose. After college she joined a team of stained glass artisans at Adirondack Stained Glass Works. She also joined a band, was a commissioned pet portrait artist, and a life drawing model. She worked as a historic site interpreter at Fort Klock and was a member of the Society for Creative Anachronism. This led to a brief stint as a movie extra in The Time Machine (2002). Garlyn’s rich background in all things creative, including drawing, painting, music, dance, writing, and pottery, has made her the artist she is today.
In 2020, the pandemic lockdown provided an opportunity for Garlyn to contemplate her authentic place in the art world. Dog walks, a search for home, and Instagram inspired Garlyn to begin making the kind of art she wanted to see more of. Weathered, well-worn, rustic, oxidized surfaces began to emerge and dissipate into wispy cloud mists and stormy seas. Having endured many of her own personal storms, Garlyn is no stranger to change. Her evocative landscape paintings reflect resilience and offer a calm respite in an often chaotic world.
Garlyn is a mother, an artist, and an employee at Fort Plain Central School. Garlyn’s paintings are shown in local art exhibits and displayed in private homes across the country. Memberships include Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts, Cooperstown Art Association, and The Smithy Gallery.