morganblaketurner@gmail.com

CV

Resume

Artist Statement

My mind is constantly submerged in introspection. An endless journey of self discovery transforms my life into visual experiences. Each of my pieces correlate to a specific event or emotion that has taken place in my past, present, or envisioned future. Through self-portraiture and intuitive mark making, I share personal narratives and explore the themes of self-concept.

In college, I pivoted from graphic design to studio art to work on fundamental drawing skills. My first course was a survey of westernized art. I quickly realized that the celebrated artists or artworks of our history did not include black people. I immediately began to question the fine art world as a whole. My vexation was the foundation of an intention to be recognized in art history.

My process starts with a vision. I rarely show up without knowing exactly what I want to do, allowing an abundance of time for my imagination to assemble a specific scene and/or mood. I then self-direct my own imagery to make the idea come to life. In my opinion, oil paintings are another way to reference art history and include myself into the conversation of “mastery.” An idea presented by Kerry James Marshall in 2017, that I agree with wholeheartedly.

My work could be described as a cry for relatability and acceptance. As of now, I am experimenting with myself as the muse to take up space in an environment that most likely did not want me there to begin with.