HUMAN/NATURE
Mary Anne Molcan at the Chapel Gallery
In a two-person show with Marilyn Walker
In a two-person show with Marilyn Walker
September 16 - October 2, 2022
Opening September 16, 6:00-8:00
Artist talks at 6:30
Opening September 16, 6:00-8:00
Artist talks at 6:30
Detail: FULL TURN, reduction linocut by Mary Anne Molcan.
People of Print is an international community of printmakers known for the exceptional calibre of its members. Molcan was accepted into the group in 2020 with these words of praise: “our team is meticulous as we aim to showcase the very best of print from around the world. Congratulations!”
In 2021, Molcan’s print Élan, appeared in the People of Print newsletter. Élan was chosen to illustrate the reduction process of block printing. On her website, Molcan describes this technique as “the suicide method” of printmaking. “It’s so much fun,” says Molcan, “I systematically destroy the linoleum block I am working on.” Molcan looks forward to explaining the joys and challenges of printmaking during her artist talk at Chapel Gallery on September 16.
In 2021, Molcan’s print Élan, appeared in the People of Print newsletter. Élan was chosen to illustrate the reduction process of block printing. On her website, Molcan describes this technique as “the suicide method” of printmaking. “It’s so much fun,” says Molcan, “I systematically destroy the linoleum block I am working on.” Molcan looks forward to explaining the joys and challenges of printmaking during her artist talk at Chapel Gallery on September 16.
In 2018, Mary Anne Molcan received a BA Visual Art Major from the Vancouver Island University. Molcan graduated with distinction and her art awards and accolades continue. Heart Light exhibited at the Centre for Contemporary Printmaking in Connecticut in the summer of 2022. The Biennial juried show called FOOTPRINT received hundreds of submissions from 13 countries. Molcan's Heart Light was one of only 85 chosen.
LIQUID LIGHT, reduction linocut, 20x20 inches, framed, 2022
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MYSTIC REACH, reduction linocut, 24x18 inches, framed, 2022
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As well as belonging to a worldwide network of printmakers, Molcan is active in her local arts community of Nanaimo. She works part time at the Nanaimo Art Gallery. In 2021, the Nanaimo Arts Council organized an online curated exhibition called Rooted: Connections to the Land. Molcan exhibited with two other artists. Prior to the opening, All Points West CBC radio host Kathryn Marlow interviewed Molcan.
Molcan brings a wealth of experience to her art practice. She values the qualities of resilience and renewal found in life cycles. “My deepest place of belonging is with nature,” she says. Her practice explores the intersection between the natural world and human values, with an emphasis on environmental stewardship. The full title of the show is HUMAN/NATURE: Sentience and the Art of Inter-being. Molcan embraces eco-psychology, which celebrates our human need for a profound connection with nature. By focusing on the intelligence of the living earth, she bolsters her sense of inner peace and security. “It’s like taking a deep breath,” she says, “and allowing the boundaries between art and science to blur.”
FULL TURN, reduction linocut, 20x20 inches, framed, 2020
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HEART LIGHT, reduction linocut, 20x20 inches, framed, 2021
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Molcan makes prints in a series with several presented in this webpage. Heart Light and Full Turn are part of Molcan’s Introspective Series. In this series, she employs line and colour to explore patterns of interconnection found in nature, using asymmetry and imperfections to draw parallels to human experience.
In Full Turn, we see a series of concentric circles on a deep blue background with pinpoints of starry light. Mysterious twinkling stars surround a spiral vortex in the centre. Top and bottom, there are fan shapes infused with multi-hued dots. The fans project energy and appear to pulse like radio waves or magnetic fields.
On a rainy day in February, Molcan’s daily walk was rewarded with an everyday miracle. She viewed the dazzling refraction of light in water droplets. Heart Light uses contrasting shapes and shades to manifest this phenomenon. The award-winning print offers a visual puzzle of explosive linework and unusual intersections.
On a rainy day in February, Molcan’s daily walk was rewarded with an everyday miracle. She viewed the dazzling refraction of light in water droplets. Heart Light uses contrasting shapes and shades to manifest this phenomenon. The award-winning print offers a visual puzzle of explosive linework and unusual intersections.
ÉLAN, reduction linocut, 20x16 inches, framed, 2021
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VIVICATION, reduction linocut, 20x20 inches, framed, 2021
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Molcan’s Renewal Series considers the competing and complementary forces of life cycles. In Élan, we see a series of shapes that terminate, reverse and alter course. Circular patterns lie one atop the other. This ambiguity leaves the narrative quality open to interpretation. Vivication means a renewal or awakening. Organic life is embodied in the crimson leaf which occupies the vesica piscis, formed from the intersection of two circles. In sacred geometry this generative space symbolizes the merging of the spiritual and physical worlds. The energy of renewal is symbolized by the network of fine lines emanating from the leaf. These delicate filaments suggest plant veins and tiny root hairs. They also form a corona around the outer circle.
TIME GAP, reduction linocut, 20x16 inches, framed, 2020
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VICISSITUDE, reduction linocut, 20x16 inches, framed, 2020
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The Estuary Series chronicles a unique eco-system on Vancouver Island, visited annually by the artist. In prints like Vicissitude (meaning change) the potential for new growth glows green in a skeletal leaf. Renewal in the midst of decay is a theme that resonates with the artist. Probing the perennial energy of creation, she finds her place within the mystery of life.
Time can stand still for the artist when immersed in the wonder of nature. She visualizes these occasional shifts in Time Gap. The white arrow dissecting the image delineates past and future. The faint squiggles on the white shaft are thoughts and ideas, waiting to reemerge from the background.
Time can stand still for the artist when immersed in the wonder of nature. She visualizes these occasional shifts in Time Gap. The white arrow dissecting the image delineates past and future. The faint squiggles on the white shaft are thoughts and ideas, waiting to reemerge from the background.
AUREOLE, reduction linocut, 14x11 inches, framed, 2022
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ANIMA, reduction linocut, 14x11 inches, framed, 2022
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The artist is intrigued by recent studies showing how trees communicate underground via networks of fungi. The Small Whispers Series elaborates on this subterranean theme in works like Anima and Aureole.
Anima has a complex composition that appears to waver and expand. The warm ochre and greens tones indicate an earthy substance. Thin lines with repeated white dots act as connectors and energy points.
Aureole is a term alluding to the emergence of light. Tentacles of fine lines wave above a convex base. There is a delicate balance to this rhythmic activity. A soothing palette of blue, ochre and ox blood melds the scene.
Anima has a complex composition that appears to waver and expand. The warm ochre and greens tones indicate an earthy substance. Thin lines with repeated white dots act as connectors and energy points.
Aureole is a term alluding to the emergence of light. Tentacles of fine lines wave above a convex base. There is a delicate balance to this rhythmic activity. A soothing palette of blue, ochre and ox blood melds the scene.
Visit Mary Anne at the Chapel Gallery weekends until October 2, 2022.
Location: 600 Richmond Avenue, Victoria, V8S 3Y7
Hours: Friday & Sat 12:00-4:00, Sun 12:00-4:00
Location: 600 Richmond Avenue, Victoria, V8S 3Y7
Hours: Friday & Sat 12:00-4:00, Sun 12:00-4:00
Mary Anne's informative website is HERE
Mary Anne Molcan and Marilyn Walker gave fascinating talks at the Opening on September 16.
Mary Anne happily greeted guests during gallery hours until closing day.
Below right: Molcan on her last day at the Chapel Gallery, October 2, 2022.
"I would like to thank The Chapel Gallery curatorial team for providing Marilyn Walker and myself the opportunity to share and speak about our works. I would also like to thank everyone who came out to see HUMAN / NATURE. It was a pleasure to meet and greet you all!" Mary Anne.
Mary Anne happily greeted guests during gallery hours until closing day.
Below right: Molcan on her last day at the Chapel Gallery, October 2, 2022.
"I would like to thank The Chapel Gallery curatorial team for providing Marilyn Walker and myself the opportunity to share and speak about our works. I would also like to thank everyone who came out to see HUMAN / NATURE. It was a pleasure to meet and greet you all!" Mary Anne.
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