Margaret Warfield

I am known by several names- wife, daughter, sister and friend. But it is the name "Artist" that I want to be my legacy. When I create, I stand before a blank canvas, extend my arm in a dance with paint, brush and the Holy Spirit; just as I have for the last 30 years. As I paint the world around me disappears...

I like to think of myself as an artistic communicator, wishing to transform and extend perception and stimulate views toward new insights and expressions. All my paintings contain elements of hope and love. Art is a language, it's purpose is to open a dialogue between the art and the viewer, touching an emotion, remembering a moment from their past or simply bringing a smile to the faces of the audience.

I combine all of my roles and visions as I begin each new piece of art. What emerges is the artistic gift that I share using color, texture, patterns and composition... Creating "Art That Touches The Soul" is my desire.

To create art, for me, is an expression of who I am. Expressing myself through the application of color and design allows me to escape into the world of possibilities. Art, also , gives me the opportunity to expose people to the commonality of the human race. It is my desire to show that physical gestures and the application of color and design are a viable means of communicating excitement, love, fear, and nobility. Although, I choose to paint the human figure without facial features, it is my hope that all who view my work will allow their minds to place a loved one's face into the painting.

The foundation of my interest in art was cultivated at Tennessee State University where I received a B.S. Degree in Clothing and Textiles and a Minor in Art. Color and the effects of color on the psyche fascinated me. My first painting, however, was created as a result of a childhood mishap. I broke my Mom's favorite coffee cup and to ward off impending anger, I conceived the abstract painting entitled “Broken Cup”.

Acrylic paints on watercolor paper or canvas are my chosen media. I enjoy the fact that acrylic paints are fluid, opaque and are produced in a large variety of brilliant colors. In the past I have used pastels and oil paints.

Through my career as a professional artist, I have been afforded the opportunity to speak to various groups such as Womenline, Dayton, Ohio and students and Parent Teacher Associations in the Atlanta area concerning my career as an artist. It is my hope that something that I said to these groups motivated them to pursue careers and dreams that will not only enhance their lives, but the lives of others as well.

My paintings have been exhibited in the following locations: National Black Fine Art Show, SoHo, NY; Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA; Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA; Harriet Tubman Museum, Macon, GA; Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista, FL; the set of the television show “In The Heat Of The Night”, The Southern Bell Building, Atlanta, GA; and Union Station, Washington, D.C.

Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista, FL, selected one of my original paintings titled “Connections” as their year 2000 Black Heritage poster image. Glory Foods Inc., Columbus, Ohio, chose two of my lithographs, “Mt. Zion” and “Women Working Together” as appreciation gifts for their clients/associates. Reverend Jessie Jackson was one of the collectors who received my art. President Museuni of Uganda, Africa, received a piece of my art that was given to him by Legacy, a Christian organization in Atlanta, Georgia. Girls Inc. of Atlanta Georgia selected a piece of my art as their patron appreciation gift. “A Lesson To Be Learned”, one of my prints, was donated to Stone Mountain Middle School for their career day project T-shirt image.

Publications and awards: Upscale Magazine, Signature Bride, cover art Mother Africa's Table, National Council of Negro Women: Washington, DC; The Arts and Cultural Award, The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Pennsylvania Chapter; Best of Show Awards: The Atlanta Dogwood Festival, The Love Affair, Tifton, GA and River Fest, Jacksonville, FL, and The Palette Award, Heritage Arts Festival, Atlanta, GA.

Collectors: Courtney Vance, Actor President Museuni, Uganda, Africa, Dr. J. Herman & Dr. E. Moore / University of Iowa, Dr. Gohnetts Cross Brazzell University Of Arizona, Fulton County Juvenile Court System and University Of Tennessee, Alumni Office