School of Art and Design Alumni Exhibition 2021

Lela McClanahan
Graduated 1983 & 1985

“Ms Lela Mac”

So many elements of art, and they all pique my curiosity.

Depth, whether through overlapping shapes, or concocting undulating lines (an epiphany in grad school) – I thrive on it! I SO enjoy creating “movement.” But COLOR is THE element of art that moves me most! The alchemy of mixing colors, and the power they possess, wow! It makes me wonder, “Do you see the same red I do, and how will we ever know?”, “Why are you drawn to blue, while someone else is fixated on yellow?”, and it goes on from there. I not only chatter in person, but in my head all the time. Surprise, right?!

In my art I strive for playful and fun! Anything too serious is not for me. Life is so serious, and much too short. My art needs to be therapeutic, warm and fun. I need this not only for me, but also for the viewer.

Lela Cahoon McClanahan
ECU School of Art (BS 1983 MAEd 1985)

Gator Bites, Acrylic on Canvas, 24″ x 30″ x .75″, 2021