"Between impulse and self imposed structure I consistently use botanical reference, skeletal tree forms and atmospheric light to express my aesthetic intentions. My passion for observation and experimental process is distilled into the illusions found in these works. I intend to create an intimate sense of landscape as I push the scale to greater degrees. My intention is to feel enveloped and connected with nature, not to stand apart from it. The tree forms continue to inspire me because they are universal, completely ordinary and extraordinary all in one. Trees are beautifully linear, gestured as the human body and they encompass the spectrum of frailty to monumental strength. When moving through a painting I engage myself philosophically and aesthetically with the coexistence of natural polarities. Examples of this would be: a delicate transient leaf and its’ counterpart the supporting solid trunk, or storm winds in contrast to human breath. As I consider these contrarieties my work flows between my real experience with natural environments and the process of painting abstract interpretations. The wisp of a brush stroke to a fluttering leaf, the gouge of a dry point line to a brittle tree limb, are types of ephemeral qualities perennial to my inspiration. My processes are akin to mono printmaking and have led me in challenging and diverse directions. Basically it is a layering process of under painting, natural branch templates, dry point, enamel and oil washes, with additive and subtractive brushwork. I enjoy the anxiety and surprise as I work through the order, disorder and sequences of change. I am constantly pushing myself to observe, respond spontaneously and yet keep a Zen sense of formal balance." EducationRichland College: Dallas, TXGlassell School of Art, Museum of Fine Arts: Houston, TXUniversity of Missouri: Columbia, MOExhibitions2018 Group Show, Craighead-Green Gallery, Dallas, TX2017 Marci Crawford Harnden: Scattered, Craighead-Green Gallery, Dallas, TXGorham, Harnden & Saa, Craighead Green Gallery, Dallas, TXValentine Group Show, MA. Doran Gallery, Tulsa, OK2016 10th Anniversary Pop-up Show, The Haen Gallery, Asheville, NC2013 Marci Crawford Harnden: Imagine, DM Allison Gallery, Houston, TX2011 Drawing Closer, Craighead-Green Gallery, Dallas, TX2010 Wintertide, The Haen Gallery, group show, Asheville, NCYou’re Invited, Craighead-Green Gallery, Dallas, TXInner Journeys, Nau-Haus Art Space, Houston, TXYou’re Invited, Craighead-Green Gallery, Dallas, TXSurfaces, MA Doran Gallery, Tulsa, OK2009 Origins, Craighead-Green Gallery, Dallas, TXStimulate, Craighead-Green Gallery, group show, Dallas, TX2008 Fall Show, (two-person), Ellis West Gallery Gallery, Durango, COHunting Art Prize Exhibition, Houston, TXNational Contemporary Realism, MA Doran Gallery, Tulsa, OK2007 Breath and Propogation, Craighead-Green Gallery, Dallas, TXNew Space, Ellis West Gallery, Durango, CONational Contemporary Realism, MA Doran Gallery, Tulsa, OK2006 Ellis-Crane Gallery: Group Show, Durango, CO2005 Craighead-Green Gallery, (two person), Dallas, TX2004 Gallery Artists’ Show, Craighead-Green Gallery, Dallas, TX2003 Craighead-Green Gallery, (two person), Dallas, TXArt in the Metroplex, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TXMembers on View, The Dallas Center for Contemporary Art, Dallas, TXBuchanan Gallery: (two person) Galveston, TXNational Juried Exhibition, Plano Art Association, Plano, TX2002 Gallery Artists: New Work, Craighead-Green Gallery, Dallas, TXRoom With a View, LewAllen Contemporary, Santa Fe, NMLittle Gems, Buchanan Gallery, Galveston, TX2001 Craighead-Green Gallery, (two person), Dallas, TXStillscapes, Montimny Gallery,(one person)Walters-Boone Museum, Columbia, MOWings of Wind, (invitational), Lago Vista Gallery; Richmond College, Dallas, TXYou Know They’re Nouns, The Art Corridor, Tarrent County College, Arlington, TXBlack and Blue, Mc Kinney Ave. Contemporary, Dallas, TXLandscapes: Not Just a Pretty Picture, LewAllen Contemporary; Santa Fe, NMDallas Visual Arts Center: Dallas, TX1999 Craighead-Green Gallery, (two person), Dallas, TXEast Dallas Art Studio Tour: (open studios), Dallas, TXBeaux Arts Ball, (Fundraising Exhibit), Dallas Museum of Art; Dallas, TX1991 Beyond Repro, Diverseworks Artspace, (Invitational), Houston, TX1990 Lanning Gallery, (two person), Houston, TX1989 Austin Annual, Mexic-Arte, Austin, TXEast End Show, Lawndale Art and Performance Center, Houston, TX1988 Austin Annual, Mexic-Arte, Austin, TXSalon de Refuses, Diverseworks Artspace, Houston, TXSam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX1987 Abstract Sensibilities Now, Lawndale Art and Performance Center, Houston, TX3 to 5, Diverseworks Artspace, Houston, TX1986 Plates By Houston Artists, Perceptions Gallery, Houston, TXInvitational, Mexic-Arte, Austin, TXPrisoners of Conscience, Diverseworks Artspace, Houston, TXWomen in Texas Art, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TXHouston Printmakers, Goethe Institute, Houston, TXExposed, Commerce Street Artist Warehouse, Houston, TX1985 The Pearl Harbor Invitational, On Waugh Gallery, Houston, TXTexas Printmakers, Traveling Invitationla Exhibition, Guadalajara, MexicoPlastica Huesped de Houston, Traveling Exhibtion, MexicoThe New Nude, Midtown Art Center, Houston, TXSam Houston University, Huntsville, TX1984 Small Works Show, Boulevard Gallery, Houston, TXPrint Exhibition, PLano Art Center, Plano, TXTexas/Guadalajara Print Exhibtion, Dallas City Hall, Dallas, TXBoulevard Gallery, (one person show), Houston, TX1983 Contemporary Views of Houston, Art League of Houston, Houston, TX1982 Invitational Printmakers Show, Art League of Houston, Houston, TXSakowitz Houston Art Calendar Exhibition, Sakowitz Post Oak, Houtson, TXHouston Printmakers, Boulevard Gallery, Houston TX17th Annual Juried Art Exhibition, Deuster Art Gallery, Hosuton, TXAwards and ScholarshipsFinalist, Hunting Art Prize, Houston, TXHighest Award of Excellence, National Juried Exhibition, Plano Art Association, Plano,TXMarcita Druit Link Memorial Scholarship, Houston MFA Glassel School of ArtSecond Place Award, Houston Art League, Houston, TXFirst Place Award, Elmhurst Art Exhibtion, Elmhurst, ILFirst Place Award, Jackson Square Exhibition, New Orleans, LA