Cheryl McCardle

I grew up in Maryland just outside of Washington D.C, and I lived in many parts of the country traveling with my husband while he was in the military. I was inspired by the natural beauty of the many places I saw in my travels, which influenced my early landscape paintings. I have been seriously painting and sculpting since 1990, and received a Bachelor of Arts from George Mason University in 1996.

After studying art in college, I transitioned to a much more expressive and experimental style of painting. My abstract paintings evolved into works that are textured and made up of many layers. I incorporate acrylic paint with cheesecloth, plaster, sand and other found objects to enrich the surfaces. Much of my work is intuitive and comes as much from emotion as interpretation of imagery. Since my paintings tend to have a sculptural feel, it was a natural progression for me to also create sculptures and vessels from clay. I don't like to feel limited in my creative explorations and I'm constantly seeking new forms of self-expression. I teach painting and mixed media art classes that emphasize art as a means of relaxation and healing.

I am a member of the Visual Art Exchange and have worked with various local arts organizations to since moving to Clayton, NC in 1996. In 2008, I was chosen by Congressman Bob Etheridge to paint a "Red, White and Blue" themed Christmas ornament for the state of North Carolina to be displayed on the White House Christmas tree. The ornament illustrated the "Mountains to Sea Trail."

I received a United Arts Individual Artist Grant and the Outstanding Community Service in the Arts Award from Johnston County Arts Council. I have exhibited throughout the Triangle area.