We are thrilled to collaborate with the Artists Association of Nantucket this year to feature their talented artist members. The AAN is a non-profit organization supporting Nantucket artists, providing educational programs in the arts, and preserving the legacy of Nantucket artists. Visit their website, their gallery at 19 Washington Street, their studio at 24 Amelia Drive, or give them a call at (508) 228-0294.
Meet the Artists – Morgan Sayle
Interviews conducted by Gwen Malcolm, Big Gallery Manager
Morgan grew up on Nantucket and has been evolving as an artist ever since childhood. A fascination with animals, especially wildlife, has been the fuel for her creative endeavors and although Nantucket boasts a slightly more limited variety of wildlife than other areas of the world, this posed no challenge to Morgan or her art. Her skilled pen and ink drawings are realistic and precise, with an emphasis on accuracy blended with personal style. These days, her work is mostly in watercolor as she explores combining the decisiveness of ink with the looseness of watercolors.
What is the most inspirational/influential place on Nantucket for you in terms of your art?
Nantucket’s special ecosystems are what I try to honor with my work – the barrier beach of Great Point and Coatue, endangered sandplain grassland of the Smooth Hummocks, and rolling moors, pines and heathlands of the Milestone Cranberry Bog all inspire a framework for my subjects, which are usually the animals that live in these places.
What is your artistic background/education? How did you first get interested in art?
Friends and family who knew me growing up will likely recall watching me obsessively drawing and sketching – those days, usually endless drawings of horses. My subject matter and skill have been increasing my entire life and now I happily convey the subjects in the natural world that fascinate me the most through detailed charcoal, gouache and watercolor paintings.
Who are three artists who have influenced your work?
Jason Mowry, Vanessa Foley, and Georgina Taylor
What are you currently working on?
I am trying to catalog and document the last of the special things about Spring that I’d like to paint before I lose them in the transition to summer!
Do you have any secret talents or unexpected hobbies? / What are your passions outside of art?
I am a passionate animal trainer and caregiver with several years of professional elephant experience in my background. On-island, I spend my days enjoying time with my horses and observing wildlife on the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge where I work year-round.