“I encourage EVERYONE to see the world as a painting! Look for colour, not criticism. Look for shapes and tone, not race. Look for beauty, not cynical distress. And, above all see the light out of all the dark.” – Cagney King
Cagney has been a student of art since she was able to hold a pencil. Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, she was encouraged by her grandparents, who were instrumental in pushing Cagney to always pursue her dreams and do her best. She enjoys all artistic media, but works mostly in oil and graphite.
Cagney's recent works involve pushing the boundaries of exploration in mixed Medias and textures – combining several techniques in various mediums onto one substrate. Formally trained at Ball State University and Herron School of Art, she attributes most of her true art education to self exploration and trial by fire.
ARTIST STATEMENT:
The images and visions come often and burn within me until released with a passion of line, colour and texture. This passion was ignited deep within me early in my life. The free flowing drawings and explosions of primary colours of my youth led to an exploration of my inner creative self that continues today. Art is my statement, my existence, my breath and my mark on this world. My current work is taking me on a journey of textures, poetry and loose palettes. I am working to bridge the gap between science and art to try and understand human nature as I see it in the windows that are my eyes. Abstract expressionism leads to contemporary expression. See me in this moment, because I will emerge in the next. Take the time to know me in both moments.
King was recently featured on WFYI’s Art of the Matter on 90.1 FM in Indianapolis, and makes monthly appearances as the Artist in Residence on local radio station WHBU.
Cagney is a founding studio member of The Artists Upstairs Studio Group, and works primarily from Studio 8 at the Creative Arts & Events Center - Greenfield. She also maintains a home studio – Studio 2, all of which are part of the King Studios label. Cagney has also worked as a freelance artist, completing multiple commissioned pieces. Her biggest accomplishment to date has been traveling to Belize to teach art to the Third World children in that country.
A word from Cagney:
I am 98% Artist (110% at heart - but bad at math) and 2% human being. I keep working hard in the hopes that one day my art story will be like the great artist fairytale. You know the one - the one about how the poor, struggling artist rocking on the edge of insanity is toiling away in her studio day after day, when one day a handsome person comes to see her work, and decides that she should be rescued. From that day on they pay her to paint, pimp out her work and buy her beer. Everyone lives happily ever after.
That...would be cool.
