Larry McKim

1952 – 2019  ·  Washington – New Jersey

Larry McKim was an artist and art teacher living in New Jersey. He earned his BFA in Painting from the University of Washington in Seattle and an MFA in Mixed Media from the Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University. He showed nationally in over 30 group exhibitions and had over 10 solo exhibitions, teaching at Rutgers University, Jersey City University, and the College of New Jersey.

He studied with Leon Golub, Jacob Lawrence, and John Goodyear, and received two artist fellowships from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and several from the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation. He worked in painting, printmaking, and drawing throughout his life.

He passed on February 7, 2019 following a heart attack. He spent his life creating.

Larry McKim

Curriculum Vitae

Artist Statement

Larry McKim  ·  2011

My background is in painting, printmaking and photography. Each medium is ultimately a 2-dimensional mix of lines and shapes, order and disorder. Despite this, each is distinct in process and offers unique visual qualities. I find that they are mutually enhancing.

My recent artwork materials are acrylic paint on canvas, reduction woodblock printmaking, monoprinting and silkscreen. My imagery is initiated on Adobe Photoshop and developed from there. Digital artwork allows many versions of an idea to exist and be available at any time in the future. Ideas can be developed then remain with other compositions for further resolution. My laptop now serves as my sketchbook. After the initial phase of work on the computer, compositions continue to develop, especially with decisions about color, surface texture, tonal gradations and other formal considerations.

I'm also maintaining a long-term series of small collages called "Amalgam". They are 5"×5" and seem to progress of their own accord. I don't have any very revealing explanation of what they are all about except to say that they have momentum. They are a stand-alone series which doesn't seem to relate immediately to other work I am doing. There are currently around 300 of them. They are comprised of bits and pieces from all the printmaking processes with which I am involved.

Imagery for all my work is abstract, however is not inspired only by basic geometric shapes. I also imply the human form, animal and plant shapes and landscape. Different pieces suggest humor, chaos, peacefulness and playfulness. The titles are my own perception of what the piece suggests and reflect only my own personal reading. Titles come after the work is completed. Once the pieces are resolved and complete, they exist apart from me and I view them as anyone else would. My goal is to have the pieces have complexity, mystery and intelligence that keeps me interested and engaged over time.