MOLLY MAINS - RELIEF PRINTS, PASTELS & ACRYLICS

The woods and fields were my playground growing up. The outdoors now nourishes my artwork. My childhood sense of wonder at natureʼs textures and colors remains with me and pervades all that I create. My creative process involves a progression of focusing-in and simplifying rather than a literal interpretation of nature. A subjective transformation then occurs with the give and take of gouge to block or brush to surface with color and texture interacting with one another. From there, accidents and discoveries occur that elicit spontaneous responses and unplanned outcomes.

 

In printmaking it’s the translucency of colored layers that interplay with the overall design that capture my attention. In pastels, I love how the underpainting affects the sequential layers to create a richly colorful image. Creating a collage is an exciting challenge that involves an ever changing conversation among the shapes, marks, and colors. Working with each material provides a meditative journey of discovery for me.

 

Molly Mains, artist and art educator, graduated from Colby College and later the University of Southern Maine and inspired middle school artists for over 36 years. In 2011 she received the honor of Maine Art Educator of the Year. Her work has been a part of exhibitions throughout Maine: The State House, Augusta; Maine Botanical Gardens, Boothbay; Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center, Fryeburg; University of Southern Maine, Portland; Year round, her work can be viewed at Gallery 302 in Bridgton and on her website www.mollymains.com.