Linda McCray

Linda McCray, SCLA of Helena

About the artist:
McCray’s boundary-transcending abstract spiritual paintings have been exhibited in the US and England; published in Belgium, Germany, Canada, and the United States; and are in public and private collections.

As an adjunct professor of art, she taught for Loyola University Chicago, The University of Mary, Helena College: The University of Montana, and Carroll College. She has lectured at art museums, universities, and conferences; written articles for national magazines; served as art consultant; and been an artist-in-residence at the Holter Museum of Art and Blessed Trinity Catholic Community.

She is a member of Sacred Arts Contemporary, Christians in the Visual Arts and Association of Consultants for Liturgical Space. She graduated cum laude from Washington State University with a BA in Fine Arts, the University of Montana with a MFA in Painting and Drawing, and Benet Hill Monastery with a Certificate in Spiritual Direction.

Transformation

About the artwork:
With the onset of the pandemic, I lost my grounding and felt totally uprooted. My world was tossed about in the rough seas of uncertainty. Splashing through confusing chaos, I have found peace in knowing the Light of Christ is always with me. As I journey through this turmoil and transformation, I’m seeing a simplified and clearer vision of what is truly vital—faith, hope, and love.

I translate universal spiritual truths into abstract paintings that speak to others, regardless of their traditions. To form visible signs of invisible grace, I use abstraction which—so powerfully through light, color, and texture—speaks directly to the heart. I layer my paintings with symbolism. To create symbolism, I use abstract elements, certain materials, and selected painting methods. For example, the abstract element and universal symbol of light underlie all of my paintings. I image my Creator as Light. To capture feelings of the warmth and peace of the Divine Presence, I use a number of techniques including the old masters’ use of glazes to capture luminosity. I integrate found objects that abound with symbolism, such as sand from the River Jordan, ashes and palms. The torn-like edges symbolize that we are a part of something much greater—our collective Creator. I create with acrylic paint on wood panel.

Finding the Way

About the artwork:
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

The cross represents Jesus, The Way. The non-painted thick irregular lines stretching from top to bottom and left to right create the cross through which we must travel. A chaos of reds, purples and golds symbolize the many distractions in our world today that can make it difficult to find The Way.

Sisters, Blessings to you as you discern direction and make decisions.

Acrylic with sand from the River Jordan and Montana on floating wood panel, 12 x 12″.