The work of Merikay MacKenna has been exhibited in several exhibitions
and was also the subject of a critically acclaimed show entitled "San Francisco Safari" in 2005. The artist's motto is "How to get a Head without Hunting"
and has involved the creation of the most exquisitely detailed artificial animal head sculptures
for many years. The results are wildly endearing, humorous and inspiring - truly a hip
alternative to those outmoded taxidermy treasures.
As a young child the Milwaukee Public Museum was a big
influence on MacKenna. Its dramatic dioramas of natural
and human history made her dream of helping build such
exhibits as her career. The early Seventies were an avant-garde time
and receptive to new forms. MacKenna 's creatures quickly
grew into a small business at art and craft shows. With
the onset of the Eighties, fake furs became more available
and the artist soon began to incorporate the material more liberally
into her work.
Since settling in California in 1983, the artist has published several books and won numerous awards. Each likeness of animal carries the unique hand crafted stamp
of the artist. Her creations are a celebration of the visual wonder of the animal world,
and because only man-made furs and synthetic materials are employed, these sculptures are
both a humane and highly skilled artistic offering.
A primary objective of curatorial ventures has been to unite both artist and crafter and to demonstrate that in today's art world, the traditional limitations of what constitute fine art no longer apply.
MacKenna's work succeeds in bridging the fine line between art and craft in our society today.
For more information please contact us at (415) 420 7296
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