[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 193 (Tuesday, December 13, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1276]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        LIFE INSEPARABLE FROM ART: HONORING GRETA CHAPIN McGILL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. KWEISI MFUME

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 13, 2022

  Mr. MFUME. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize an extraordinary artist 
who has mastered the talent and skill of expression. Ms. Greta Chapin 
McGill translates her emotions and experiences as an African American 
woman flawlessly to canvas, and all who have had the pleasure to view 
her work are left in awe of its beauty.
  Ms. Chapin McGill grew up in Washington, DC, and associates her time 
riding the bus around the city with blossoming a feeling of 
independence within herself that has run parallel during her brave 
journey as an artist. During this time, Greta's father took her to 
Constitution Hall, where he asked her to close her eyes, and ''see'' 
the music. The ability for art to pull us out of reality, and 
encapsulate us in harmony with emotion and surrealness, is what 
surrounded Greta as she ``saw'' the music herself. Greta's own art is a 
reflection of this experience, unlocking every emotion and story she 
can elicit from canvas and color.
  Inspired by her father's encouragement that anything is possible if 
you believe in it, Greta began to fully pursue art. She studied 
painting and art history at Howard University and The Corcoran School 
of Fine Art, and her exceptional ability has since taken her across the 
globe to exhibits in Italy, France, and Switzerland. Greta has allowed 
her craft to take the lead in her life, as she believes one's own art 
is a living, breathing canvas that evolves over time through one's 
experiences and perspectives gained.


 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  December 13, 2022, on page E1276, in the first column, the 
following appeared: Inspired by her father's encouragement that 
anything is possible if you believe in it. Greta began to fully 
pursue art. She studied painting
  
  The online version has been corrected to read: Inspired by her 
father's encouragement that anything is possible if you believe in 
it, Greta began to fully pursue art. She studied painting


 ========================= END NOTE ========================= 


  Greta cites feminism as having a profound impact on her work, drawing 
on women's ability to openly and clearly address their emotions, 
spirituality, and strength. Her creative process arises from the 
fundamental understanding and belief that it is the artist's job to 
tell the story of their time, so she must always be observant on what's 
going on around her and what is changing. As evidenced in her work, 
Greta employs color in such powerful and responsive ways that anyone 
who observes her work is astonished by the ``abstractly real'' 
aesthetic prevalent in her pieces.
  However, despite such explosive and free works of color and design, 
Greta still affirms that in her art there remain underlying messages 
she keeps from the observer. The allure of an artistic piece's mystery 
adds to the impressive intricacy of Greta's portfolio. She believes 
there is a deeper meaning behind an artist's ability to maintain the 
privacy and intimacy of their art. Considering, that as a woman of 
African Ancestry, Greta's ancestors did not have control of their 
lives, there is a power she feels as a Black artist able to control her 
story and how much she discloses through art.
  Ms. Chapin McGill is someone who should not only be celebrated for 
her art, but for her character, determination, and influence. Greta is 
the embodiment of perseverance. She proclaims that you must have the 
backbone to change facets of your life when they warrant change, and 
that things in peoples' lives happen for a reason. She is a firm 
believer that the universe will hand you what you want if you have the 
courage to ask for it, and when the universe presents an opportunity, 
you must say yes.
  To Ms. Greta Chapin McGill, the promise to create is a commitment she 
has given to fully. Greta at her core is still that young girl standing 
in Constitution Hall who ``saw'' the music and could not live without 
art. Madam Speaker, today I am honored to commemorate Greta Chapin 
McGill's devotion to advancing the arts and depicting the experiences 
of all Americans through that art.

                          ____________________