Gretta McCall

"Art creates a sense of belonging when we see our experience mirrored in another. My job as an artist is to create pieces that speak of my experiences so that the viewer can see their own life in mine. This is the power of art and why we come back to viewing and making it."

Being attuned to beauty in the world around her is a source of inspiration and meaning in Gretta McCall's life and work. Self-discovery through the process of making art is also a central theme. The subject emerges from the secret places of the artist's heart while she paints. McCall believes that a life lived well translates into a strong, richly varied, and deepened voice in her paintings.

Each painting begins by choosing colors, shapes, and gestures that express what McCall is feeling. Then she responds to previous layers of paint to create a compelling composition. She searches for the theme of the painting as she works. She also uses writing to gain clarity. Once the focus of the piece is found McCall includes abstract forms that reference subjects related to the piece.

In 2002 Gretta McCall obtained her BFA from Clemson University. She has created art throughout her life and has over 100 works in private and public collections. While obtaining her degree, McCall taught painting to elementary children. She was inspired by the children's unbridled joy in making art. Letting joy be a guiding principle in her own creative process has remained with her to this day.