I don’t think that Elynn Kroger and Sharon McCartney have ever met one another, but both artists have been multi-year artists in residence at 26 Split Rock Cove for many years. And both will be exhibiting work at our Open Studios on November 1st, from 11 am – 4 pm.
Sharon McCartney is a mixed-media artist, making artist books, small sculptures, and textile pieces using hand printed fabrics and found objects. This year she is sharing her scrolls with us, which began here as one of her projects for her month-long residency.
In Sharon’s words:
Coming back to this incredible spot, year after year, has provided me with a touchstone to my sources of inspiration and pace in my creative life. Sandy has created a warm environment conducive for both work and recharging the spirit. The generosity of the space and the welcoming ease of it have allowed me to enjoy the uninterrupted work time while also making connections within the wide range of artists that make up this intimate community of makers, musicians and writers.
Sharon McCartney lives and works most of the year in western Massachusetts with her dog, Ruby. She comes to Maine to connect with the landscape. Here, she focuses on the mystery, change and growth found in small details that reflect larger truths. You can view Sharon’s work here.
The scroll is one of my favorite book forms. Its structure allows me to share both individual features and the experience of the journey itself. I combine my own drawings and paintings with fabric that has been printed with light reactive paint using actual leaves and flowers as stencils. The pieces are stitched and embroidered to both embellish and to connect individual panels.
Elynn Kroger is a painter from the Rocky Neck Artist Colony in Gloucester, MA. When I imagine Elynn here, I know she will be in her studio by 5 am every morning and by evening she is reading something about a painter that inspires her, studying and researching the work. She is inexhaustible.
In Ellen’s words:
I think that every artist is born with a vocabulary. Mine includes color, line, and landscape. I grew up sewing and weaving and had three grandparents who tatted, embroidered, crocheted, and made handmade clothing and shoes. A textile quality is present in my work. And I enjoy color juxtaposition and luminosity.
Elynn has managed to make a living by her art, so using her time and money well is essential. I am honored that she chooses to come to 26 Split Rock Cove to work, usually for the month of October, though she now wants to come and paint during snow season!! She has kindly lent ten of her paintings and stand-alones to me for Open Studios. You can view Elynn’s work here.
When I paint, I don’t start from a concept or an image (although imagery creeps in). I am not expressing my feelings. It’s a practice in mindfulness, starting with a color and a brush stroke, following each mark as in a conversation.
I have missed seeing both of these artists this year during the pandemic. They have both become friends and teachers to me in so many ways. I value their process and practice, and though very different in the work they do, I have spent hours with each of them talking about what’s important and where they are going next.
Ellen says:
Someone asked me once, what was my intention. I said, to finish the painting that I was working on and to start the next one. That was not what he wanted to hear, but that’s all I have. And in the long run, it’s always about and in the doing.
Please join us for our Open Studios even on November 1st from 11am – 4pm. Sign up for a specific hour of the day by emailing sandy@26splitrockcove.com or calling 207.596.7624. We will allow 12 visitors / hour on the property. Wear your mask. We look forward to seeing you soon!