ABOUT THE ARTIST
Written by Northwestern Connecticut Community College
Continuing Education • Summer 2002Nancy Griswold was born in Hartford, Connecticut. She acquired her BFA at Massachusetts College of Art and also studied the arts at Bennington College, Hartford Art School, Northeastern University and Decordova Museum Art School. She spent thirteen years in the Boston area studying and working in the arts. In 1985 she moved to central New Hampshire for a more peaceful atmosphere. The physical beauty of the natural surroundings in New Hampshire was a catalyst in her new passion in the arts. In November 1998, Nancy returned to Connecticut with plans to pursue teaching and continue her own explorations in the arts. She is a diversified and multi-talented artist. She has both taught and been very prolific in her own artistic pursuits. Her employment history has encompassed fields of graphic arts, illustration, teaching, pottery, and painting.
As diversified as her art, her achievements have followed suit. To mention just a few, she was juried in to appear in the 2000 issue of “New Art International”. Her art has been reproduced in Electronic Publishing. She has created a number of illustrations; some have been produced by L.L.Bean, the ‘94’ Lillehammer Winter Olympic Games, New Hampshire Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club and Yosemite National Park. Her pottery ornament was selected by the White House Staff to exhibit in the “Blue Room”. It remains a part of the permanent collection of the White House.
Some of her more major works in progress include a mural painting titled “Changes of the Seasons”. The mural was started in 1993 and is a multitude of panels spanning 68’ x 3’ in size. Her other collaboration in recent progress is her fine art photography series titled “Rock Gods and Nature Deities”. Her work is in continual expansion.
She believes that her art is a product of vision, desire and discovery; and that it’s growth is dependent on challenges, courage and constant vigilance. Breaking the barriers of fear, introducing fun and skills are some of her goals as mentor and teacher.
STATEMENT
By Nancy Griswold - April 2010I have had the good fortune to have a passion for visual art and art history for many years. I studied under artists, who I consider to be great artists that have had an impact on my work and the direction I have chosen to purse in life. These oil painters are George Nick, Richard Sheehan, John Avakian and Edward Mead.I feel honored to have had the opportunity to accept their advice and direction during mentoring sessions; as there is something in their work or philosophies that captivated my vision and interests at the time I was studying under them.
John Donne (1572-1631) writes: "No Man is an Island, Entire of Itself". For me, this is truth. There are many who have contributed to my art pursuits directly and indirectly. Many don't even realize that by sharing themselves they have helped me to process my work and have contributed greatly to needs of inspiration, wonder, information and experience. Then there is nature, mere observation of the natural world has given me an understanding of primary elements of art and life, as well as a source for interpretation. Nature has also given me solitude, exhilaration and peace of mind which I need to survive.
In October of 2008, I returned to live in northern New England. I roam in both New Hampshire and Vermont. The power of this place with mountains, lakes and nature resonates well with me for this new beginning and healing I so desire. I reside in an old village farmhouse in Vermont near some of the most beautiful natural wonders and a congruent artistic community. Check in for the new North Country artworks which will develop in time.
Thank you for witnessing this journey of art.