Conversations with Meg Gardner

Today we’d like to introduce you to Meg Gardner.

Hi Meg, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
From a young age, I was always drawing, painting, and creating collages. Art has been a way for me to articulate the world around me, but also a healing balm, creating alignment between myself and the world. I took my first printmaking course at Indiana University and found a medium that satisfied my need for both craft and art. I began creating linoleum prints for presents and celebrations, sharing them with those close to me. After two decades, the poignancy of my printmaking became clear, and I decided to dedicate more of my time and energy to my craft. In 2020, I started Wandering Star Prints studio and began selling my prints to a wider audience through my website and Etsy shop. Since then, my focus has widened to making prints of the tree rings of fallen trees. I then began incorporating these tree ring images into encaustic work, an art of layered beeswax and resin. I am now selling to individuals and also taking commissioned work.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I spent a good deal of my life not allowing myself to believe in the importance of art. I convinced myself I needed to give my gifts in other ways. I often put my art on the back burner. Then, I asked myself what I really feared and what was holding me back. Suddenly, in asking the questions and sitting with new possibilities, I was able to release unjust expectations and move forward with my art in an organic way that felt right for me. I entered my studio with a new openness, ready for the path my artistic journey would take. I began Wandering Star Prints right as covid closed down much of the country, which was its own struggle, but again decided to allow the growth of the studio to happen organically.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My linoleum prints are expressions of joy and gratitude. I find the lines and rhythms of life and movements of energy in all that I print. At times, I honor a simple joy in life such as bulbs of garlic harvested from the garden or my son’s rain boots splashing in a puddle. Other times, I honor the wisdom of light-filled beings such as Hildegard von Bingen, the poet Hafiz, or Gandhi. I enjoy the work of the carving itself, slowing taking away everything that is not needed in order to reveal the image. There is a strength to the carving and inking that balances the grace and beauty of the design.

With my tree ring prints, I am uncovering a life in nature that is often older than myself. The rings pulse of many years’ time and radiate out to illuminate the subtleties of climate and growth. Through a several-day process of sanding, burning, brushing, and inking, I reveal a history that can speak to all of us. These prints are much larger scale and I feel the power in them as I discover the story of each individual tree.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I grew up in Oklahoma, off Route 66. In our backyard, we had a large tree and my father helped my brother and me build a treehouse in its branches. I spent many hours in that treehouse, listening to the sounds of nature and finding solace. I also hauled many items up its ladder–books, drawing paper, homework, picnics. Somehow, every book was more poignant when read within the rustling leaves of the tree. Drawings always turned out more vivid when created up there. Food was more delicious.

Pricing:

• Small prints around $40
• Large prints $50-$60
• Tree Ring prints $75 and up
• Encaustics $200 and up

Contact Info:

• Website: www.meggardner.com
• Instagram: @Wandering_Star_Prints
• Other: WanderingStarPrints.etsy.com