Women in Art 278 Magazine March 2014 | Page 36

website website ii linkedin facebook american artist Meaghan Troup oils From the time I possessed the dexterity to pick up a crayon it was evident that art would hold a permanent and significant position in my existence. No fragment of paper found refuge from my fervent fingers and zealous imagination. This artistic affinity, creative instinct, and dynamic imagination have been refined, cultivated, and channeled over many years through education and training. As an artist, one constantly evolves through gained knowledge and life experience. Thus, art is relentlessly being shaped and altered. So it is with my work. I cannot recollect a moment when a passion for art was not embraced by my soul. ART There are three pervading influences upon my work. Foremost is my personal relationship with Christ, and my faith in God and His Word. God is the master painter who tenderly and carefully places us- His strokes, on His canvas of life, in which He invested His all. Only God knows the depth of our tone, the vivacity of our character and the length of our stroke. Yet, even the most minute brushstroke possesses a significant purpose, and if the painting lacked even one, it would cease to convey the Artist’s message. When I commence a work of art, I believe that in this small manner I am akin to my Creator. He generates all that exists, imparting grace, strength, and the ability to fully love. God has bestowed me with the talent and ability to reflect this through art. The life lessons learned from an arduous battle with leukemia have also potently impacted my work because it altered the way I perceive the blessing of life. Facing the possibility of death gave me a heightened appreciation for life and a new perspective to view the world by. Many people describe my work as simultaneously vivid and peaceful- a quality that I believe stems from this experience, and also identifies each piece as unmistakably mine. The beauty that surrounds me inspires me artistically, be it a majes- tic landscape, an arresting smile, or the play of light and shadow across objects on a table. These aspects of life are so overlooked as we go through our daily routines. My work is heavily inspired by nature as I think that the beauty around us is one of the most amazing ways God touches us with his presence. Growing up in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of New York State provided endless stunning landscapes that continue to be reflected in my work. The nature surrounding my current residence in the mountainous Central Pennsylvania region also inspires. There are many beautiful waterways, fields, rolling hills, and mountains. Painting primarily with a palette knife creates energetic texture that is a characteristic trait of my work. This technique allows for heightened texture and sense of depth in each piece. It is my desire that, through my art, individuals from all walks of life can be reminded of the beauty, joy and hope that persists in this world if we take the time to notice it. I also hope that my work inspires peace and encourages viewers as they face the situations that arise each day. wom en