Artist draws on life's smaller moments

By Patricia Morris Buckley - For the North County Times | Wednesday, July 9, 2008 11:37 AM PDT ∞

So much in America is about large-scale effects. Movies are blockbusters, fast food is super-sized and vehicles are almost small houses. That's why artist Shannon McNeill decided it's time to look and enjoy smaller things. At least, that's the thought behind her exhibit, "Little Drawings," at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, Museum.

"I'm a great believer in the small things in life," McNeill said.

Most of her works are 2 inches by 3 inches, or 5 inches by 7 inches.

"The things that sometimes go unnoticed are much more important than the big splashy things that people make a fuss about," she said. "That's why the quiet, intimate experience appeals to me. I've never been one to work large. I like things quicker and more human-size. Something quick and spontaneous has more life."

Raised in Escondido, McNeill is best known for her work as a children's book artist. She has illustrated five published books (for Dutton and Chronicle Books). A graduate of the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, her artwork has been commissioned by magazines.

The work showcased at CCAE is mostly recent pieces completed since the birth of her son, almost four years ago (she is due to give birth to a second child this month). Many of these works look at daily tasks and the joys of motherhood. In contrast to her children's books, the drawings are closer to line drawings.

"I enjoy line," she said. "Line feels really direct ---- a personal expression."

Parenting left McNeill with little time for large-scale works, which suited her fine.

"There is a series of paintings in the show I did when my son was 2," she said. "He was developing a personality and had moments that charmed me. Because I had limited time and a very small subject, the art itself is small. Each work in the series is business-card size."

The size has the effect of drawing the viewer in closer to really see the work. That often leads to a moment of reflection. She prefers watercolors and pens, although there are some mixed media pieces.

"I like collage with paper and cardboard that are perhaps sewn," she said. "That way, it's not just an image but an object, because it has a physical presence. That's one of the reasons that I've put my paintings in family frames or ones I've found in thrift stores. Then they have a life of their own."

The exhibit also includes the artwork from her last three children's books, along with sketches and proofs that explain how a book is created. It's what she calls the educational part of the exhibit.

"I hope the show gives people a good feeling," she said. "I want them to be entertained, but I also want to encourage them to reflect on their own small, quiet moments of life. So they'll appreciate and champion those moments as well."

"Shannon McNeill: Little Drawings"

When: Through Nov. 30; gallery hours, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, noon to 4 p.m. Sundays

Where: California Center for the Arts, Escondido Museum, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido

Tickets: $5, general; $4, seniors/active military; $3, students with ID; free, children under 12

Info: (760) 839-4120 or artcenter.org/museum.htm