Linda Colnett

Artist Statement

My art has long been inspired by nature, and in particular trees. A recurring theme in my work involves the paradox of the many benefits humans derive from trees – oxygen, shelter, food, clothing, medicines, fuel and other materials – versus the devastating impact of deforestation around the world.

As a mixed media artist, I am drawn to express my work in a variety of ways. After years of contemplating what makes this the case, I have come to the conclusion that I am in love with process. I began my art career as a painter, and while I am still inspired when facing a blank canvas or panel with the intention to create something new with paint, I am increasingly drawn to new processes and experimentation.

I am fascinated with digitally layering photographs that eventually morph into prints. With the advent of printing on wood, acrylic substrate, film, metal, as well as paper, the possibilities are boundless. Much of my new work also involves a meditative process creating sculptures made from recycled paper products, plastic bottles, aluminum tubing, telephone wiring, etc., referencing the interaction between humans and trees.

Biography

I was born in Texas and received a bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University. After working in the advertising and public relations industry, I began my art career in the 1980’s. My art has been exhibited extensively in the U.S., as well as group shows in Hong Kong, Paris, Mexico, Japan, Korea and Italy. My work was twice chosen for “Selections,” a juried competition of San Francisco Open Studios. I was a past nominee for the SF MOMA SECA award, and the U.S. Art in Embassies Program selected my paintings for exhibition. I was an active member of the Alliance of Women Artists, an international coalition of women artists dedicated to the support of women in the visual arts. I participated as an American artist member for twelve years in the Global Culture Center, founded by Japanese sculptor Kenji Horiuchi, dedicated to promotion of an international exchange of art and culture. I was a founding member of SOMA Artists’ Studios in San Francisco where my studio was located until 2017. My current studio is number 273 at the ICB Artists Studios located in Sausalito, California.