Gene McClain, the artist.
Placitas multi-media artist, Gene McClain, has been full of creative energy since retiring to the Sandia foothills in 1997. His paintings, retablos, murals, sculpture and furniture grace public buildings and private homes all over northern New Mexico and the western United Sates. The artist offers an eclectic mix of cowboy folk art, retro auto-themes and Southwestern culture.
This artist's hand-crafted and hand-painted creations are whimsical and colorful. He believes in the value of invention. While exploring his cultural, social and childlike impulses, Gene's pieces result from his ability to continually change and amuse himself.
"My interest in moving in many directions at once came from my teaching experience. I continually created new projects and challenges for students to solve. I also keep myself interested by playing with new materials and ideas." Gene worked with students for 29 years following his B.A.E. and Master's degrees from the University of Kansas.
In 1999 Gene received the "Most Unique Design Award"at the Northern New Mexico Woodworker Guild Winter Show.
Gene is featured in the book "New Mexico Curiosities: Quirky Characters, Roadside Oddities & Other Offbeat Stuff (Curiosity Series)" by Saw Lowe.
This artist's hand-crafted and hand-painted creations are whimsical and colorful. He believes in the value of invention. While exploring his cultural, social and childlike impulses, Gene's pieces result from his ability to continually change and amuse himself.
"My interest in moving in many directions at once came from my teaching experience. I continually created new projects and challenges for students to solve. I also keep myself interested by playing with new materials and ideas." Gene worked with students for 29 years following his B.A.E. and Master's degrees from the University of Kansas.
In 1999 Gene received the "Most Unique Design Award"at the Northern New Mexico Woodworker Guild Winter Show.
Gene is featured in the book "New Mexico Curiosities: Quirky Characters, Roadside Oddities & Other Offbeat Stuff (Curiosity Series)" by Saw Lowe.
