Meaghan Troup

I create visual escapes using palette knives and oil paints on canvas. Dynamic texture formed from an expressive impasto technique is characteristic of my work and allows for an amplified depth in each piece. Vivid color creates a unique energy that draws the observer into the painted space.

The use of palette knives opens the possibility of accidental forms and marks. I respond to those results, letting them guide the painting. The process continues over several layers, resulting in images that evoke both a sense of movement and tranquility.

Throughout my work, there is an appreciation for the transience of life and, concurrently, our boundless capacity for hope. Many describe my pieces as simultaneously vibrant and peaceful, a quality that stems from my deep faith in God and a three-year battle with leukemia as a teenager, which taught me to see the beauty in life regardless of circumstances. My work is inspired by nature, as I believe the splendor around us is one of the most amazing ways God touches us with His presence.

I endeavor to create work that speaks to our shared human experience, and I am deeply interested in the connection between art and healing. A universal language, art reaches people across boundaries, offers alternative perspectives and inspiration, and provides a visual break from daily stressors. Art can connect communities and promote physical, emotional, and mental healing.

Akin to my own experience with art's healing abilities, my work aims to provide a visual refuge where viewers can escape, unload the burdens of their day, and be reminded of the joy, hope, and wonder all around them.