Have we met? – my art history

People ask me “How long have you been an artist?” and I tell them that “I drew the best snowman in kindergarten”  It really started earlier than that!

My very first memory is crawling next door to get their crayons.  The big ones.  Eight colors.   I wanted to touch them so bad.   It is a vivid memory.  

The need to draw and color was very strong as a young child.  My mother knew it.  Everything she put in my hand gave me decisions to make -what color, how to mold it, what story to read.  OH!  Remember the watercolor coloring books?  Magic.

Origins – looking back

I grew up on the bright, khaki sands of Sullivan’s Island, SC. Stella Maris Catholic Church was at the center of our community. My entire family went to church and school there.

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Although we lived on the front beach (house on left), I loved the “back beach.” Small tidal creeks were the nurseries of all living things that I loved. The birds, crabs, oysters, shrimp, fiddlers were my companions. A perfect place for a mark-maker like me to grow up. Grateful comes to mind again.

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We were the grocers, builders, postmasters, and at least one artist, of the community. I would love for you to see the article written about my family’s contribution to Sullivan’s Island. Click here to read it.

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My art has always been a reflection of my environment.

It has always been my strongest desire to make marks and tell a story about what I’m seeing. I am so grateful that mark making and visual communication has stayed a part of my life, and that you are here to share it with me.

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Thank you. Michel McNinch

P. S. Let me hear your art histories. [email protected]