Nancy Wyllie

About Nancy Wyllie

Nancy Wyllie, a distinguished artist based in Warwick, Rhode Island, seamlessly melds her deep-rooted passion for the ocean with her expansive creative expertise in both painting and filmmaking. Her artistic journey, which began with classical training at the Rhode Island School of Design, has evolved into a unique exploration of semi-abstraction that captures the mesmerizing beauty and dynamic mystery of marine life. Wyllie's work is a vibrant homage to the ocean's ever-changing landscape, drawing inspiration from the coastal vistas of New England, the Caribbean, and Central America. The result is a captivating collection of dimensional seascapes that invite viewers into a world where the rhythm and motion of the sea are brought to life through her innovative use of color, texture, and form.

Wyllie's artistic process is as intricate as the ocean itself, employing materials such as acrylic on archival Arches Cold Press paper, meticulously mounted on museum board. This method allows her to construct complex compositions on box mounts, creating layers that echo the ocean's depth and vitality. Her commitment to using archival and acid-free materials, sealed with a UV protective satin varnish, ensures the longevity and vibrancy of her work. This dedication to preserving the integrity of her pieces is reflective of her broader commitment to environmental conservation, a theme that resonates throughout her oeuvre.

An accomplished filmmaker as well, Wyllie's cinematic background infuses her paintings with a narrative depth that transcends the traditional boundaries of visual art. Her works are not merely static images but rather dynamic stories that unfold across the canvas, offering viewers a 'more than one moment in time' experience. This narrative quality is further enriched by her post-graduate studies in film at NYU and her award-winning short films, which have been showcased at prestigious venues including the Whitney Museum of American Art and The Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian.

Nancy Wyllie's contributions to the art world have been recognized through numerous exhibitions and accolades, including her participation in 'Legacy Traces: Recent Additions to the Museum Collection' at the Newcomb Art Museum alongside renowned artists like Andy Warhol. Her work is housed in public and private collections globally, a testament to its universal appeal and significance. As she continues to push the boundaries of her artistry, Wyllie remains dedicated to her long-term goal of fostering a deeper appreciation for the marine ecosystem, championing the protection of Earth's most vital resource through her evocative and thought-provoking creations.