The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance. Aristotle (384 BC-322 BC)

Marsha Egan is a a contemporary artist currently living in Virginia. Ms. Egan has been a member artist at the Arches Gallery, Workhouse Art Center, Lorton, Virginia for approximately two years. As featured artist for the month of November, her new series of 15 works on heavy watercolor paper is entitled “Stones, Symbols, and Sacred Script: A Contemporary View”. Using acrylic and Sumi ink, her mostly large paintings reflect her fascination with archaeological artifacts and ancient manuscripts. Her '“Hidden Messages” series reflects symbols and calligraphic script which appear hidden from view via layers of paint and time. “Beyond Words” series also reflects this concept of mystery under the surface.

Ms. Egan’s previous work also carries a theme of ancient e.g., Japanese aesthetic, as revealed in the Sacred Circles series depicting large Enso Zen Circles on canvas. Ms, Egan frequently displays a variety of her Enso paintings in her monthly exhibitions at the Arches Gallery

Artistic Process

Marsha embraces a contemporary mixed media approach utilizing oil, acrylic, and Sumi ink.  Ms. Egan perceives her art from the perspective of an alchemist.  The ancient scientists would transform simple metals into gold, from the simple to the precious. Her view that the artist is a true alchemist invokes the transformation of a blank canvas into an object of thought and emotion——from the simple to the precious. Ms. Egan uses a variety of tools in her artistic process including but not limited to brayers, collaged materials, found objects, handmade stamps and masks, and monoprinting techniques, and a variety of Japanese papers, such as Washi, and Kozo papers adding another layer of interest in her work.

 All of the artistic works in this website are copyrighted by the artist.  Check with the artist for remaining availability. The artist may be contacted at mceganart@gmail.com.

She has written and illustrated a children's book entitled, Rays Flip, Flap! Creatures of the Sea From A to Z. This book was inspired by Marsha's concern for ocean ecology, and the hope that  her grandchildren will continue  to experience the  wonders of the ocean.  Her current books in progress are, An Ant In My Cup: Haiku Poems, which includes original Haiku poetry and illustrations, and Ten Silly Swans, a preschool counting book illustrated with original poetry.