A Nantucket native, Miranda grew up fully immersed in the island’s natural beauty and history. Summers spent clamming off first point with her father, zigzagging the historic streets of downtown in the Winter and biking through the Moors in autumn. These experiences inspired Miranda’s love for capturing the moment through watercolor painting.
I began painting in the Spring of 2020 when the world felt uncertain, a tool to escape. I found that painting ended up grounding me in the present, offering a visceral and lively feeling. Growing up on Nantucket, I’ve lived through the ever changing highs of the bustling summers and then the quiet, beauty of Winter. Both seasons are inspiring: Summer’s vibrant ocean and wild flowers; Winter’s red - browns of the moors. Though the fluctuations in seasons can carry a sense of apprehension, I’ve found that painting keeps me curious. I’m inspired by the landscapes, the materiality of the paint, and the challenges they present at times. My process changes with the seasons. In the Fall and Winter, I take photos on walks and bike rides around the island and then use them as references. I lightly sketch an outline in pencil, and then paint from there. In warmer temperatures, I set up plein air at the creeks, the beach or the moors, in order to step away from the hustle and bustle. My work provides a sense of light airiness, and nostalgia; a window into an untouched Nantucket. The architecture transports one to a historic downtown, while the landscapes are serene without human interruption. My work reflects my authentic self to live in the present, grounded in nature all while grateful for the supportive community of the island. Painting ephemeral landscapes provides me with much needed reflection and respite from everyday. I hope that my viewers can find peace in my work as well.
