Jean McElvane is a talented and skilled artist who,
as she says, "can be creative in every version I can reflect on." Those versions range
in style from realism to abstract, in scale from miniature to life-size, and in materials
from recycled "trash" to clay, pastels and paint. McElvane is particularly gifted in
portraiture and has painted several pieces on commission working from photos. In some of
her pastels and paintings, two faces share a common feature, suggesting duality
in nature. Other human figures and faces form part of an overall pattern of colored
geometric planes.
McElvane says she approaches her art "as a contest, whether to let it live on
its (own) might." Diagnosed with autism, she would counsel others to
"have patience with themselves, knowing they are here in this world giving out
glory." Beginning in 1991 at age 18, McElvane studied art and music at Contra
Costa Community College for two years and attended NIAD during the summer.
She has attended NIAD year round since 1994. McElvane currently comes only once
a week and is employed as assistant to a San Francisco textile designer.
McElvane's art has been shown widely in NIAD exhibits and other galleries,
including at the Intuit Gallery in Chicago.
Peaceful Day
Acrylic
on Paper
20
" x 21 "
$195
Doll
Mixed Media
7" x 2"
$45
Untitled (Hummingbird)
Collograph Print
8" x 14 "
$75
