artist statement/bio:
Silver is the name of my current exhibition at WSG Gallery in Ann Arbor, MI. For me, silver brings to mind sunlight, reflection, quiet water in certain moods. It also generates ideas of stillness and an uncomplicated essence. I have used ideas of the Elements - earth, water, fire and air — to provide the subjects for the space the silver provides. Silver leaf is the bottom layer in most of the paintings in this exhibit. It plays through the oil paint and wax that are applied on top of it in straightforward and subtle ways.— Lynda Cole
Lynda Cole began experimenting with line/mass, composition and color while studying clothing and textile design at Michigan State University. She studied botany while at the University of Michigan. She lived in London, England for five years exploring the fine art world. These things all influenced her work. She writes, “The biggest influence on my work today is the natural world and the idea and feeling of tranquility. Motion and geometric shapes also play a part.”
Oil paint, wax and metal leaf are the main materials she uses now although she says, “The idea of a return to 3D hanging sculptures is pushing me towards new work. My encaustic table is still ready to use also. We’ll see.” — Lynda Cole, March 20, 2022
resume:
always, my work is in WSG Gallery in Ann Arbor, Michigan
2021:
Muskegon Museum of Art, All State Juried Show, Sept 23 - Nov. 10, Muskegon, MI
Michigan Fine Arts Competition, Pink and Silver Leaf Relaxing on Indigo, June 18 - Aug 19, 2021, BBAC - Birmingham, MI
highlights from 2018:
Recent Places and Themes, solo exhibition, WSG gallery, Ann Arbor, MI
highlights from 2015:
North, solo exhibition, Oct 20 - Nov 28, WSG Gallery, Ann Arbor, MI
Down the Rabbit Hole and Around Again, commissioned by Ruth's Chris Steak House, Ann Arbor, MI
highlights from 2013:
A Color Conversation, solo exhibition, WSG Gallery, Ann Arbor, MI
highlights from 2012:
Rain - GFS, hanging in entry atrium of GFS headquarters, commissioned by GFS, Wolverine, MI
highlights from 2011:
Rain - Art Prize, 3rd place winner, GR Public Museum, Grand Rapids, MI
colors - new encaustic, Kerrytown Concert House, Ann Arbor, MI
highlights from 2010:
Ann Arbor in Tubingen, Tubingen Kulturhalle, Tubingen, Germany
Silver Liquid: a tribute to water, solo exhibition, WSG Gallery, Ann Arbor, MI
A Different Alphabet, commissioned by Bloomfield Township Public Library, Bloomfield, MI
Silver Linings, Terra Gallery, Columbus, OH
egg, greatly enlarged - part of Art in the Sky, on billboards in SE Michigan
highlights from 2009:
Encaustic Wax Paintings on Screen, University of Michigan Hospital, main lobby, Ann Arbor, MI
highlights from 2008:
Francesc Burgos, Lynda Cole: Recent Work, Mallets Creek Library, Ann Arbor, MI
Stillness in Motion, solo exhibition, WSG Gallery, Ann Arbor, MI
The World Between Black and White, solo exhibition, Woman Made Gallery, Chicago, IL
with Chris McCauley and Mari Marks, Wenniger Gallery, Rockport, MA
highlights from 2007:
Ahead of the Buzz, The Gallery at R&F, Kingston, NY
Prints USA, 2007, Springfield Art Museum, Springfield, MO
2003 - Bill of Rights, public art installed in Ann Arbor, MI
2003 - High Resolution, digital Art in the 21st Century, B.K. Smith Gallery, Lake Erie College, Painesville, OH
professional activities:
2001 - present: President of WSG Gallery, Ann Arbor, MI
2006 - 8: instructor in The Art of Encaustic Painting, Birmingham, Bloomfield Art Center, Bloomfield, MI
2004 - Juror for Ann Arbor Original Art Fair
2001 - Juror for Ann Arbor State Street Art Fair
1990 - 1997 - board member (including President) for Ann Arbor Women Artists
1976 - 1990 - owner Wildwood Flower Landscape Design, Ann Arbor, MI
1970 - 1972 - clothing design, freelance NYC and Ann Arbor, MI
Presentations
2010 - Feb 4, Art Design and Public Responsibilities Forum: The Role of Public Art in Michigan
Panel members:
Reed Kroloff, Director, Cranbrook Academy of Art and Art Museum
Christine Schefman, Director of Contemporary Art, David Klein Gallery
Marc Schwartz, Acting Director, Art Detroit Now
Lynda Cole, featured artist at Bloomfield Township Public Library, Bloomfield, MI
2005 - Moderator for Round Table Discussion on Digital Fine Art in conjunction with featured
artist exhibit at WSG Gallery, Ann Arbor, MI