Mike McFadden

Michael McFadden is a fine artist, master craftsman, and educator. A native of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Mr. McFadden studied at Carleton College, Purdue University and the University of Wisconsin where he received his MFA. In 1978 he established an art studio and fine furniture workshop in the Tribeca area of New York City. In 1987 Michael and his wife Doris Ettlinger, also an artist and educator, moved their studios to an 18th Century grist mill in western New Jersey where they raised their two children, Ivy and Benjamin. Recently Michael retired from teaching engineering, architecture, and fine art at Hunterdon Central High School.

Michael’s images are inventions based on memory and imagination. He transforms his personal experience of poignant events and shared experiences into abstract images. Michael’s paintings are assembled from a personalized vocabulary of marks and shapes. He creates a visual environment that invites exploration. His color harmonies, composition, and calligraphic brush work result in expressive, high contrast images that engage the viewer through shared impressions and experience.

Artist's Statement

I am fortunate that making art has been a focus in my life. During the pandemic I discovered that I could silence my anxiety by retreating into the discipline of my art. The painting in this show is one of many done during the last year. The absence of distraction and abundance of free time allowed me to explore new ideas.

See more of Mike's work on his website: www.mcfad.art