Using a unique process that combines painting and wood-carving, Oakland, Californa based artist Carmen McNall’s work balances intricate patterns and textured mark making bound by organic shapes against stretches of pure pigment. Her practice relates directly to the handmade in both subject matter and execution, opening a dialogue on the relationship between people, their environments, and what inherently fastens us to our surroundings, examining the empowering qualities these places retain. The faceless figures in McNall’s work resemble Goddess like muses as they rest in dynamic yet effortless poses. Each one embodies strength, confidence, and wisdom alike. The figures are adorned with a novel blend of symbolic patterns and mark making. They rest within their own elements, surrounded by a complex yet tranquil interior landscape that inhabit both ancient and futuristic realms. They act as anonymous guardians of transcendent, yet familiar moments in time. Through this work, McNall explores the body as a vessel, a container that carries us through life, using both literal vessels such as vases and containers, as well as human forms. She investigates all that is held within our worldly form: memories, tension, energy, healing properties, intuition and how all these aspects manifest into movement. McNall has participated in solo and group exhibitions both nationally and internationally and has been awarded artist residencies with both Google and Facebook. Her large-scale murals and art installations are included in the collections of The Four Seasons, the California Medical Association, and Google Headquarters.