Artist:Meclina Priestley

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Artist Statement
 
I have always felt a spiritual connection to my art work and felt that it was imperative that the words were as strong as the imagery. After researching and discovering that what I do is indeed connected to an art form that was used for spiritual enlightenment brings me a deeper level of satisfaction and inspiration.
 
 
Micrography is an ancient art form of using words to create imagery. It was used by Jewish scholars to create masterpieces using the text from the Torah. You can still see glimpses of this work on Marriage contracts that are used at Jewish weddings. The art form is not native of Jewish culture, parallels can be drawn from Egyptian Hieroglyphics and even Islamic text is often used in a graphic design context.

The use of symbols and design have gone hand in hand for centuries and even now in the 21st century we are still intrigued with the power of the pen!





 

 

 

Article  from La Familia Gallery- Seattle, WA


Tell me about your background in art and how it led to the work that you are currently doing.

 

My style of art developed over 15 years ago, it all started with an assignment of calligraphy. At the time I disliked working with calligraphy because as a left handed person I found it difficult to master the pen until I was inspired by an idea that would allow me build my skill. I created an image of a little girl using words.

 


Describe your relationship with those viewing your art.  What is your mission for their experience of your work.

 

I feel that it is an intimate relationship with my viewer, at first glance they see an image and they think “I like the image” then they look closer to see why it looks a little messy or they are unsure of the technique I used. Once they discover that it is all words they are now engaged and transformed by what they are reading.

 

My mission is to inspire action; it maybe that they read something and it comforts them, or it evokes a laugh maybe a question. My hope is that they take a moment to be IN THE MOMENT. We live in a world of one second changes, we move so fast that we don’t have time to figure out why we as a society are so lonely, depressed and feeling unfulfilled. My desire that when you engage yourself in my work that you feel connected.



What is your vision for the future of your artistic career?

 

I look forward to working on large scale projects, in Hospitals, schools and High traffic areas, like subways, airports and Hotels.

 

I think my style of work would lend itself to being a wonderful source of inspiration to all types of people. I continue to do small community shows and build my audience both nationally and internationally.