FLOR 302, Alligatorflag, Thalia geniculata, FLOR500, Florida, Wildflower, Art, Nature, History, Eco-art, FIU, VIVA Florida, Garden, Artists, Engaged Creativity, Environment, participatory art,
FLOR500 is a participatory art, nature, and history project that marks the importance of the moment when the history of Florida changed forever and gives a glimpse of what its landscape was like 500 years ago. Developed by Xavier Cortada, director and artist-in-residence of FIU’s College of Architecture + The Arts’ Office of Engaged Creativity, the project commemorates Florida’s quincentenary in 2013.
Marcy Brennan, "FLOR 302: Alligatorflag (Thalia geniculata)," watercolor on paper, 5" x 7", 2013. (CC)
About the Artist
I am self-taught from the age of 18, beginning with a set of oils and brushes and a few Walter Foster instruction books, then various classes along the way, A brief foray into decorative art and faux finishing took me along some interesting paths, but fine art is where I belong. I paint in oils, acrylics and watercolors--yes all three, because each has properties that I love and just won't give up. I paint landscapes, flowers and more recently, abstracts. I enjoy painting pet portraits and have painted a few faces.
Artist's Statement
For me, happiness is having a brush in my hand, paint on the palette and a canvas on the easel. I live to paint! My "day" job is a Realtor, but art is my life. Real estate funds the art addiction ;-). I think and breathe art. When I'm not painting or working, I'm looking at art books, art magazines, art online or watching art instruction videos on YouTube. I simply can't imagine not being able to go into my studio and paint something - whatever inspires me at the time.
Five hundred Florida artists are sought to create art for FLOR500, a participatory art, nature, and history project that marks the importance of the moment when the history of Florida changed forever and gives a glimpse of what its landscape was like 500 years ago. Developed by Xavier Cortada, director and artist-in-residence of FIU’s College of Architecture + The Arts’ Office of Engaged Creativity, the project commemorates Florida’s quincentenary in 2013. For more information click here.
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Xavier Cortada Artist-in-Residence Florida International University College of Architecture + The Arts 420 Lincoln Road, Suite 430 Miami Beach, FL 33139
Xavier Cortada's participatory art practice is based at Florida International University.