Dan Mckay

In my process, I build palettes that contain a rich array of colors, textures, and patterns. Each palette represents a moment in time, capturing the essence of my previous works. As I slice off dried pieces of paint, I am reminded of the deliberate brush strokes and the creative decisions made in the past. These fragments become the foundation for my sculptures, mosaics, and collages, intertwining the history of my artistic journey with the present.

The paint itself becomes the protagonist in my artwork, as I embrace its inherent qualities and allow it to guide me. The dried forms of paint on the palettes echo the natural world, reminiscent of the layers and stratification found in geological formations. I am fascinated by the parallel between the history of the earth and the layered history captured within each palette.

My commitment to sustainability extends beyond repurposing palettes. I actively seek out used tubes of paint, giving them a second life. I use failed artwork and scraps from my sculpture and collage designs, ensuring that no paint goes to waste. This exploration of paint in its dried state allows me to understand its sculptural potential, pushing the boundaries of traditional two-dimensional painting
By recycling...

BFA
Cornish college of the arts 1995

Solo

1998 Zeitgeist


Group

1994 COCA Northwest Annual

1996 Lead Gallery

2017 Georgetown Arts and Cultural Center

2020 Cafe Racer Gallery

2022 UNT Colab Gallery

2024 Art Room Gallery

2024 Covet Art Gallery

2024 Umpqua Vallery Arts