THERESA KNIGHT MCFADDEN

I would describe my work as mixed media sculpture that is often figurative and narrative and always expressive. In addition to sculptures I create paintings, drawings, prints and collages. The figures that show up in my work often surprise me. They seem to spring from my imagination and I find myself asking: Who are you? Yet when I really think about them I discover they feel either like people I know or have heard about or are characters I’ve subconsciously invented to symbolize an idea or emotion I am trying to express. Either way I believe I am using the human figure, often alongside allusions to art history, mythology or my own personal history, to explore elements of our humanity. I use clay, wax, pigments and other mixed media such as wood, and found objects in my sculptural work, and oil paint, heavily applied and often mixed with collage in my 2-D works. Materials that are texturally rich and expressive help me communicate my feelings about my subjects. The works are often colorful and exuberant, and address contemporary concerns such as personal power, sexual politics, loss and fear.
I have shown my work in many venues in the United States including the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, and galleries in Washington, New Orleans, Santa Fe and many other cities. I have also exhibited in Bejing, China and Seoul, South Korea. I was born and spent most of my life in the Washington, DC area. In 2005 my husband and I bought a home in Cambridge where I maintain my studio. I have been a member of the Main Street Gallery since 2011 and I am currently on the Board of Directors. Previously I was on the Executive Committee of the Arlington Arts Center and served as the chairperson of their Exhibitions committee. 

I hold a bachelor’s degree from George Mason University and a Master’s degree in Fine Arts from the University of Maryland in College Park. I am Professor Emerita of Art at Northern Virginia Community College in Annandale where I taught art for 23 years. Please visit my website at: www.theresaknightmcfadden.com.