Marilyn Knell
Under the wing of artist Linda Regula, Marilyn has found a voice in art. A voice that speaks in stories and emotions and,
some even comment, through religious tones. (a tone that is completely unintended) According to Marilyn "My favorite pieces
elicit strong emotion from me when finished. For example, in “Full Moon Over Black Water,” the way the moon looms out of
the black and its light spills across the water is haunting. “Pearls of Great Price” is a monochromatic white piece built up
with leaves, grasses, rocks, salt, sand and pumice stone. The design and colors are pleasing to look at. “Twiga” is a painting
of giraffes with legs and necks even more exaggerated than typical. The sun, sky and grasses surrounding them are indicated
through color drippings rather than painted realistically. The effect is childlike and makes me smile."
She continues, "The stories of my life can be found in my work. However, I translate these stories (at least in my mind) so
that they have universal appeal. For example, “Mother (Warrior) and Child” depicts a female warding off an attack, baby in
hand. It’s an abstract painting because it’s not actually my mother and me, but it’s based on our relationship. Universally
it indicates parents making sacrifices and fighting for their children. “Love’s Dreams” is a painting of clouds and moon where
the clouds appear to be magnetically drawn to the moon. I saw the scene on my honeymoon and felt it reflected my draw to my
husband. Universally, it indicates how love and passion towards the beloved feel."
Her work reflects the best in what life has to offer, a simplicity of nature or the loyalty and comedy of animals. She feels
that a simple depiction like water, moon, animal without added details gives importance to the central figure being painted.
She enjoys working with acrylics and mixed media like modeling paste, gels, sand, gravel or other organic materials. These
materials allow her to create a pleasing abstract design or emphasize a focal point(s).
"Every artistic venture" states Marilyn, "is a challenge and an adventure because I know what I want to do, but how will the
work actually come out? I may start with one idea but another takes over. Sometimes the work creates itself. I begin and
It leads me; mixed media often creates surprises along the way. For example, “Ebb ‘n Flow” is a metallic copper, bronze and
gold piece built with modeling paste and gel; it also houses gold jewelry. This work began as water and ended as flowing
reeds." When asked how she knows when a work is complete she says " I know a work is finished if the meaning/idea is conveyed
to my satisfaction. Also if I can’t think of something more to improve it, it’s finished. Sometimes viewers have told me it’s
finished."
Marilyn is a member of the Zanesville Appalachian Arts Project and is so for several reasons. She appreciates their community
mindedness and how the group takes her out of her point of view and offers a wide range of artistic perspectives. She also
appreciates the supportive environment that is created by ZAAP and its members. The Zanesville Appalachian Arts Project is
located 625 Main Street and is open Thursday through Sunday from 1-5. Marilyn Knell is their featured Artist of the Month f
or June. To view Marilyn's work, visit the ZAAP Gallery or visit online at marilynknell.com or at her studio in Tower Studios
and Gallery on 616 South Street.. Stop by and meet Marilyn in person during downtown Zanesville's 1st Friday Gallery Hop.
Enjoy the arts and discover the artists who share their art.
- Twiga
- Acrylic & Mixed Media
- NFS
- Death of the Warrior
- Acrylic & Mixed Media
- $800
- Bang! Bang! The Warrior
- Acrylic & Mixed Media
- $600
- Mother (Warrior) and Child
- Acrylic & Mixed Media
- $800
- Bring the Fire
- Acrylic
- $650
- Sweet Dreams
- Acrylic & Mixed Media
- $650
- Hurry Cane
- Acrylic
- $350
- Ascent
- Acrylic
- $350
- Breakthrough
- Acrylic
- $550
