Irene Aspell

I received a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in 1978 from the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, Maryland. About ten years ago, I began painting again in oils and five years ago, I began making Linocut Prints.

My husband, Paul and I have been members and volunteers at Adkins Arboretum in Ridgely, Maryland for over twenty years and in that time, I have created two native plant gardens/habitats to encourage wildlife at our home. My paintings recorded the success of those gardens which hosted many insects and butterflies drawn to the many native nectar plants.

My most recent artwork involves creating linocut prints of local birds in their chosen settings. I now have fourteen birds in this collection, of which several are commissioned works. The initial image is printed and then watercolored and collaged upon to enhance details. I like to say that some birds need more room than others.

Since Paul is a ceramic artist, I have also gotten into clay for making sculptural fish. These stoneware creations can be placed outside as well as inside.