Jean McElvane

Instagram: niadartcenter

Website: https://niadart.org/jean-mcelvane/

Bio: Jean McElvane is a mixed media artist who primarily works in sculpture, drawing and painting. Pollinators are a key subject for Jean’s practice, which she has been exploring since 2017. Jean was commissioned to make about four different pollinator mobiles for a Marin County Event, who previously purchased a hummingbird mobile at one of the NIAD weekend openings. Dragonflies & other pollinators came in later, including as brooch pins. When asked about how she creates the names for her pieces she shares, “I go by personality.”

Statement: Jean likes to source materials from many places including recycling centers, household items, NIAD, Amazon, Etsy and Target. Types of recycled materials within her practice may include aluminum foil, caps, lids and juice bottles. When asked why she centers recycled materials within her work she shares, “They’re useful and beautiful.” Other materials frequently used include markers, masking tape, nail polish, fibers/cloths and paper clips.