Lynn Maggard

Bio

Watching my father paint and draw as a child lite the creative spark in me. Then as a teen, whether it was riding my bike around our river town and taking nature photographs or every single art class in high school, my artistic path had begun.  

At one time, I majored in Art in college, but left to begin my life journey. I then returned later in life and earned a degree in social work. I worked in the field of mental health for over 23 years. This laid the groundwork for my artistic expression throughout the years, as my "hobbies" expanded. I've painted in acrylic and watercolor, charcoal drawing, calligraphy, and jewelry making. About four years ago, I saw this beautiful light on Pinterest and thought, I could do that.

So began my journey, that I continue to this day and I absolutely love creating my light sculptures and watching as they start from ordinary pieces of wood and morph into these magical pieces of light.

My husband and I live in Nelson, MO, in the middle of a farm field and love nature and cats.  We have lived in rural Missouri for over 26 years. We love being surrounded by nature and taking the time to "stop and smell the roses." 

My husband and I are now retired, and I'm excited to now be able to explore my artistic self. Forests, woodlands, rivers, and oceans continue to inspire me as I age and realize it truly is the simple things in life that become the most important. I hope that my work represents the simple beauty of nature and brings joy and magic to others. 

artist statement

I'm a light sculpture artist. I've worn many hats in my life, but being a light sculpture artist is the one I'm most proud of and love. The sculptures are made from “found” wood from our property or wanderings, reed, and layered tissue paper. They are then illuminated with LED light.  

I have been a social worker for over 23 years with a love of and creator of art my entire life. I am now retired and want to pursue my passion for life and the beauty of nature through creating my light sculptures.  Creating works of art that bring joy, beauty, and magic into the lives of people is my goal.

I create the base first.  I go to my piles of wood and pick out one or two pieces that look like they will go together. I bring them inside and clean them and then let them sit as I ponder how the base will take shape. I then create the base, lay in the electric channel, and set the LED bulb socket in place.  

Next comes the reed and paper shade. I create the reed shell next. I soak pieces of reed in water and then work them into the base by drilling and gluing them. I do not go into this process thinking how I want the shade to look. I allow the reed to take its own shape and form as it evolves.  

Lastly, I add the tissue paper, which I lay onto the reed shell with diluted glue and water. Each light sculpture has about a dozen layers of tissue paper and glue, giving it a hardened exterior. Each light sculpture can take from 5 – 20 hours to create.