Megan Hinds is from Champaign, IL, and is an alumna of Illinois State University, where she attained her Bachelor's degree in Fine Art with a specialized focus in printmaking. She proudly graduated with magna cum laude honors in 2016, marking her academic achievements with the debut of her inaugural solo exhibition, titled "The Fourth Wall."
Megan's artistic journey has been marked by numerous exhibitions at esteemed venues such as the Jan Brandt Gallery, Joe McCauley Gallery, Heartland Community College, 40North Gallery, Spudnik Press Cooperative's Annex Gallery, The Art Center, and Lincoln Land Community College, among others. Her talent has been recognized through accolades, including being honored as the best-emerging artist at the Ann Arbor Art Festival in 2019, the best 2-D artist at the Naperville Fine Art Festival, and the best printmaker at the Deer Park Art Festival.
Furthermore, Megan's artistry extends beyond the physical realm, with her distinctive hand-cut 3-dimensional intaglio prints featured in "Capsules Book, Curatorial Volume I."
Currently, Megan is a Design and Content Manager at Compass Health Center. In her free time, she embarks on artistic journeys across the United States, creating her unique works. Megan also takes on numerous commissioned projects, crafting one-of-a-kind art pieces for both residential and commercial clients. Her most recent accomplishment includes the completion of a mural at Bluestem Financial.
Artist Statement
My art finds its roots in the intricate dynamics of collective behavior, often sparked by my observations from towering skyscrapers, immersion in the depths of the ocean, exploring local parks, and delving into online research. With the knowledge gained from these sources, I create my view of these worlds. Such as becoming a bee in their hive, I see both the inner workings of the community, all the spaces in between, and how they interact with that habitat.
With these intricate mental landscapes as my muse, my fascination with three-dimensional art has become the driving force behind my current creative endeavors. As I delve deeper into the complexities of the ecosystems within my subjects, I am compelled to infuse my artwork with these intricate details through the art of layering. The resulting three-dimensional effect invites viewers to embark on a journey of exploration and discovery. The outer layers evoke elements of camouflage and frenetic movement, gradually giving way to a more organized and focused center, thereby offering a composition that encapsulates both uniformity and chaos, continuity and community.
The process of printmaking aligns seamlessly with my artistic approach. Each meticulous step in preparing a print mirrors my penchant for creating patterns and texture. My hands-on involvement in every facet of the printmaking process allows me to dedicate unwavering attention to the minutiae. I leverage the variability of print by pushing the boundaries of each matrix. By experimenting with color, paper, and orientation, I generate a wealth of works, which I then assemble physically to craft harmonious three-dimensional pieces.