Margaret Coe American, 1941

View works
Next solo exhibit: Oct-Nov, 2024
Painting to me, is a place for dreaming. There exists the possibility that through experimentation, trial and error, and sheer tenacity, one can step into a world of magic. Each decision, whether it be to limit the hues, use a different painting tool, or consciously exaggerate one type of contrast over all others dramatically changes your view of the immediate subject and by extension your vision of reality, you are repsonsible for making all the rules in this most private of worlds.
-Margaret Coe

A longtime resident of Eugene, Margaret received her MFA from the University of Oregon in 1978. She studied with David McCosh, Andy Vincent and Frank Okada, and taught art for many years at the U of O, LCC, and the Maude Kerns Art Center.

 

Last Exhibit:

Wild Spaces
August 25th - September 25th, 2021
Artist Reception: Friday, August 27, 4:00 - 7:00 pm
 
Karin Clarke Gallery is pleased to present an exhibit of new work by veteran Eugene painter, Margaret Coe. The show, Wild Spaces, is the product of two years of work. The imagery represents her response to the woods behind her home and a particular beach on the Oregon coast,
 
In her Artist Statement, Coe writes, "I unveil an expansive state, the deeper connection with those places least defined by man. Immersion in the natural world of decay and regeneration awakens the bruised soul to the transcendent."
 
Twenty-one new oil paintings are the focus of the exhibit. They are accompanied by a number of pen and ink drawings related to the larger works.
 
An artist reception will be held on Friday, August 27, from 4:00 - 7:00 pm. Coe will also be present at the First Friday Art Walk on Friday, September 3, 5:30-7:30 pm. Join us to celebrate the return of Eugene's Art Walk!
 
​Statement: Wild Spaces
I unveil an expansive state, a deeper connection with places least defined by man. Immersions in the natural world of decay and regeneration awakens the bruised soul to the transcendent. Oneness replaces fear and collective arrogance cultivated by living too long on the surface of life.
Religious reverence heals the soul if it is genuinely cultivated.
My practice is to absorb the observed content symbolically. The paintings transform the content into images of reverence.
Rebirth religious reverence into our souls.
Abbreviated Resume (PDF, opens in a new tab.)
9/16/2021 - Facebook Artist Talk with Margaret Coe
9/1/2021 - VizCity KLCC's Arts Review by Sandy Brown Jensen
8/25/2021 - Interview with Margaret Coe for Eugene Scene by Randi Bjornstad
10/29/2019 - "Visions" Review - Eugene Scene by Randi Bjornstad
2013 - "Letting Go of Reality" for the Register-Guard by Bob Keefer