Meredith Mulhearn

(Above) The Path of an Angel A Tribute to Brooke Blake Created in memory of a girl who was a light in the Ridgefield community, this piece documents her life’s journey and speaks to unconditional love.

RPAC Gallery Storefront rpacgallery.com/meredith-mulhearn Ridgefield, Connecticut based conceptual artist, Meredith Mulhearn, has had a lifelong passion for art, and began feverishly creating from the moment she could grasp a crayon. In fact, her pediatrician foretold Meredith’s future as an artist, based on her fine motor skills as a young child. Now, Mulhearn shares her ideas through the artistic process using the language of plants.

“Nature has always spoken to me in quiet ways, but now I find there’s an inextricable link between me and the natural world that finds its voice in all my work.”

Meredith is most well known for her work around the topic of plant blindness: the inability to see or notice the plants in one’s own environment, which has far reaching implications in terms of plant conservation. Her most recent “root” series, driven by the uncertainly of the pandemic, explores life’s journey, connection to family and a desperate need to feel grounded.

Most of the effort that goes into each of Mulhearn’s creations occurs before any physical material comes into play. Hours of silent thought and internal struggle, followed by countless conversations, ultimately lead to the physical representation. She often utilizes unconventional materials, from glass fragments to

(Above) The Storm This piece represents our journey through the pandemic using the metaphor of a storm and reminds us that even in difficult times, there is beauty.

thermochromic paint that changes color with human touch (yes, she actually allows the viewer touch some of her artwork).

Mulhearn’s choice of subject matter is driven largely by her subconscious, which is particularly true of her “roots” series. She explains, “It’s not until later reflection that I develop an understanding of my own internal motivation. Here, the conscious part of the process takes over and I make deliberate, calculated choices to create a visual dialogue.”

Mulhearn’s work takes the viewer on a journey of self-exploration. She utilizes symbolism to scatter messages throughout her work. These clues convey her perspective, but she deliberately leaves room for interpretation, knowing that the viewer’s unique life experience will color how each piece is received. Her ultimate goal: to foster an internal dialogue and create awareness.

Meredith graduated cum laude from Wake Forest University with a major in studio art and a minor in art history. Additionally, she studied botanical illustration at the New York Botanical Gardens. She holds an MA in Art Therapy from New York University. Meredith is a Resident Artist at RPAC Art Center and an active member of the Ridgefield Guild of Artists, where she has been featured in the annual juried show.

(Above) Nostalgia 1 Playing with bright colors and timeless candy wrappers, the viewer is whisked away to a simpler time and finds respite from the current chaos.