2024
Margaret Craig
"Look Here Land and Sea" by Margaret Craig
Margaret Craig
The Art and Science of Margaret Craig
With art and science degrees, Craig focuses on art that speaks to the delicate nature of our eco-structures. "My work is rooted in the symbiotic eco-structure we all precariously live in and involves an elaborate, possibly excessive, process that (re)cycles the original post-consumer paper and plastic through several art forms and media, including acrylic, watercolor, printmaking, marbling, papermaking, and sculpture," noted Craig.
"My imagery is derived from nature, mimicking and abstracting the patterns nature creates. Recently, I’ve included a series of flat print papermaking and printmaking using advertising waste, like Mylar labels, leaving tiny pieces of trademarks and branding in my sculptures, calling to mind another layer of pollution," she added.
Margaret Craig
Trash is especially compelling to Craig. "My mother used to say, 'See a penny, pick it up – and all day long, you’ll have good luck,' So I have had my eyes to the ground ever since. I am a magpie, a treasure seeker, picking up whatever shiny or strange element I encounter on my daily walks. The sheer amount of material I have to work with is a sign that we must make fundamental changes to limit waste, despite nature’s miraculous response,” Craig explained.
An innovator in printmaking techniques, Craig invented Tar Gel Pressless Etching. Her art is included in many public and private collections including the Library of Congress. She is Professor Emeritus of Printmaking and Paper at the Southwest School of Art in San Antonio.
the aoy program
Each year, the San Antonio Art League + Museum honors one exceptional artist with its prestigious Artist of the Year award. Open to artists throughout the region, the rigorous selection process spans several months. A member committee narrows nominees to three finalists, and an unbiased panel of out-of-state jurors selects the winner.
Announced each December at the Art League's Christmas party, the honoree receives a three-month solo exhibition and catalog the following year.
