Art Chowder July | August 2022 Issue No. 40 | Page 18

Allison has always loved art , and realized that painting was her true calling while attending Gonzaga University . Throughout school she was able to expand her horizons , always trying new things and exploring the lengths to which her creativity could take her . She didn ’ t just stick to painting ; the more she learned the more curious she became . She ’ s worked in art history , ceramics , printmaking , arts education , and more . “ Every time I would go to another class it would feel completely different , but I felt that fire and I knew it was part of who I am . The nature of an artist is to be endlessly curious , about methods , the universe , nature ...”
McGree ’ s artistic drive is very deeply ingrained in her — art runs in her family , and through her veins . From a young age her love for painting was fostered and encouraged by her grandmother . To this day , her relationship with her late grandmother remains one of her greatest joys and inspirations . During our interview , she gushed fondly about family gatherings and how even in a family with many kids , her grandmother made her feel seen . She spoke of the precious hours they would spend painting and creating together as formative and almost sacred moments . From this , art became an important way to connect with the people and world around her , but also with herself . In her own words , “ Art has always been a place that I can recenter myself and reground myself .” Exploring the outdoors , baring her soul to canvas , and sharing her practice through community and online art classes , truly are what makes Allison McGree herself .
Color is an integral part of her life and creative process . She even goes so far as to say she feels in color . “ Color is a very large part of who I am ; I have always felt like color explains the universe .” Indeed , color is
The nature of an artist is to be endlessly curious , about methods , the universe , nature ...
“ Gallatin Peak ” Sculpted Relief
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