Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Manda McKay. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Manda, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

My current series of oil paintings on canvas, “Welling Up,” is about overcoming illness and grief. The inspiration came from my loved ones who manage to remain optimistic while recovering from long term illness. My intent is to help people to manifest well-being and hope by contemplating the artwork and its meaning.

I painted dewdrops to resemble tears. The phrase “welling up” means becoming teary eyed, which can be caused by sadness or happiness. I’ve also used the phrase to mean improving one’s health – welling up, as in becoming increasingly well or healthy. Both meanings of the phrase describe this painting and what it represents.

I found the curios in this still life on walks in the wild, after the animals had lived out their natural lives. The clam shell was in shallow water, barely visible under the murky waves in spite of its vivid purple color. The fragile luna moth wings were resting on a bed of moss, deep in the woods. I love the combination of violet and green. Violet symbolizes the crown chakra, which links us to the divine. Green represents the heart chakra, as well as growth and optimism. I hope “Welling Up” inspires people to look above their current challenges and envision a more positive future.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I paint pretty peculiar still lifes. I work in oil paints on canvas, employing an unusual dry brush technique to capture small details. I started my career as a veterinary illustrator, and the realism I learned is evident in my artwork.

Nature inspires me with the finds I discover in the woods, swamp, or ocean. I assemble these curios into fanciful new forms to paint. Feathers, bones, shells, and even the clouds overhead become shorthand for provocative and magical concepts. Small, delicate, and ethereal items in particular speak to me. I love to paint dewdrops, which represent the enchantment of a sparkling summer morning in the forest.

By combining inspiration and imagination, I hope to share my ideas with open-minded and open-hearted people.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect is being able to conceptualize an idea and then capture it on canvas.

Alright – so here’s a fun one. What do you think about NFTs?

I think that NFTs will become an important part of the art world.

Contact Info:

• Website: MandaMcKay.com
• Instagram: imaginista_manda_mckay
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MandaMcKayArt

Image Credits
Portrait is by Chris McKay.