Linda McCray, MFA

 

Member profile details

Membership level
Expired Memberships
First name
Linda
Last name
McCray, MFA
Organization
Linda McCray Studio, LLC
 

Contact Information

City
Clancy
Province/State
Montana
Country
USA
 

First Image

Image No.1
Caption No.1
Changing
Description No.1
Acrylic and sand from the River Jordan on wood panel, 2' x 2'
 

Second Image

Image No.2
Caption No.2
Light from Light
Description No.2
Acrylic and sand from the River Jordan on wood panel, 6' x 9.5'
 

Third Image

Image No.3
Caption No.3
Dust to Dust
Description No.3
Acrylic and sand from the River Jordan on wood panel, 6' x 9.5'
 

Arts data

Relation to Art
  • Artist
Arts Media
  • Painting
  • Liturgical art - installation
  • Iconography
  • Other
Arts Proficiency
Professional
Artist Statement
My goal for the abstract spiritual original paintings I create is to translate sacred realities into mainstream contemporary visual language to ignite viewer’s spiritual imagination, regardless of their traditions. I am deeply inspired by universal spiritual truths and sacred readings.

To form visible signs of invisible grace, I use abstraction which—so powerfully through color, shape, and texture—speaks directly to the heart. I layer my paintings with symbolism.

To create symbolism, I use abstract elements, certain materials, and selected painting methods. For example, the abstract element and universal symbol of light underlie all of my paintings. I image my Creator as Light. To capture feelings of the warmth and peace of the Divine Presence, I use a number of techniques including the old masters’ use of glazes to capture luminosity. I integrate found objects that abound with symbolism, such as sand from the River Jordan, ashes and palms. The torn-like edges symbolize that we are a part of something much greater—our collective Creator. Technically, I create with acrylic paint on wood panel.

My art direction is connected to the long tradition of artists who have turned to a world we cannot see except through faith. I could not ask for a richer history to follow. The Spirit has motivated art making over time in all cultures. While these paintings have specific meaning to me, I hope that they invite the viewer to contemplate on what is dear to their heart.
 

Church data

Denomination
Catholic
Diocese
Diocese of Helena
Church Name
Saint Mary Catholic Community
 

Additional information

About
Linda McCray lives and creates in Clancy, Montana. Her paintings are in a number of permanent collections including: Washington States Arts Commission’s Permanent Collection, the Montana Museum of Art and Culture, and the Helena Regional Airport She has had many solo exhibitions. Her paintings have been in included in numerous juried exhibitions.

She has been an adjunct art professor for Loyola University Chicago, Helena College: The University of Mary, The University of Montana, Carroll College and The University of Montana-Missoula. She has lectured at art museums, universities, conferences and churches, including the Madden Museum of Art-Denver, Form/Reform: The National Conference on Environment and Art for Catholic Worship; and The University of Dallas Ministry Conferences. Her articles on contemporary spiritual art have been published by national magazines.

McCray graduated from The University of Montana Department of Art with a Master of Fine Arts in Painting and Drawing and cum laude from Washington State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts.
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