Mel Watkin

Birdland: Great Blue Heron (detail), 2023, 15 x 18 inches unframed, Ink on collaged security paper

Mel Watkin: BIRDLAND

Opening Reception: Friday, February 7, 2025, 5-8pm

In essence my work is about the process of drawing — the highly detailed layering of mark upon mark to create images and patterns. I have long work on surfaces other than plain paper. Surfaces that come with embedded histories such as graph paper, old road maps, lace, and pillowcases.  

The Birdland series is an exhibition of drawings on collaged security envelopes — envelopes used for bills, bank statements and other mailings requiring privacy. Different environments and environmental concerns strongly influence my imagery and the materials I work with.  The Birdland series reflects my recent travels to the mountain west, rust belt cities like St. Louis and the Shawnee National Forest surrounding my home in Southern Illinois. Birds play a role, as our old farmhouse lies along one of the largest migratory bird routes in the country — the Cache River Flyway.

Opening Reception, Friday, Feb 7, 5:00-8:00pm

• Exhibition dates: January 23 - February 28, 2025

• Gallery hours: Thurs – Fri 2-6pm, Sat – Sun 12-4 pm

This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.