Megan Coonelly is a Philadelphia born artist with an MFA from Illinois State University, and a BA in painting from Arcadia University. She has exhibited in New York, Philadelphia, New Jersey, Lancaster, Florida, and Italy. She continues to work and promote in Philadelphia, PA.The artist is in the collections of Blake Lively and Christian Siriano, and has been featured in Architectural Daily, and Women’s Wear Daily.Artist Statement“I am interested in all sorts of habits, and these play out in my work. They show up as painted imagery. These images overlap and intertwine, in obvious and less obvious ways, utilizing the techniques of thick paint or thin paint. In my work I look to a variety of habits, routines, and rituals to inform the performance of painting. My painting reflects upon habits I have whether they be religious, athletic, or edible. The habit becomes a singular thought to hold onto during the making of a painting. I use imagery to focus my attention on the act of painting as a method of daily reflection. The images used are ones I am very critical of. I reflect upon the implications the images suggest in the painting. I find myself critical of these images as I also find myself having a secret need of wanting these spoils. These images are rooted in advertisement, and I mock and analyze these images as I paint. The paintings allow me to exert control over my thoughts and participation in these images in a reverent and irreverent way.”