McQuade Otto creates eclectic abstract expressionist paintings inspired by the beauty of aspects in the daily world.

“My paintings are composed of elements drawn from various sources; everything from a haute couture design to the beauty oof a stone wall,” McQuade Otto said. I use texture and light for interest and depth.”

About Sydney McQuade Otto

Sydney McQuade Otto grew up in Indianapolis but spent about 20 years living in upstate New York and Vermont, where she also branched out from 2D art into the world of sculpture. As a young artist, she was drawn to the abstract while marveling at an uncle’s artwork. But initially, she found the freedom within the art form intimidating, especially at an early workshop.

“Each of us pinned some large paper on the wall and had some charcoal. He said, ‘Go.’ Of course, I was paralyzed. Someone was always telling you what to do and how to do it,” McQuade Otto said.

After that first day, McQuade Otto gave herself a pep talk, looked deep inside, and learned from the experience. She credits that moment with freeing her to become the painter she is today.

“Creating is not a choice; it’s who I am,” McQuade Otto said. “I am motivated by the creative process—the spark that set the idea in motion. I am an idea girl. There are no mistakes, only adventures.”

About the Full Circle Nine Gallery

The Full Circle Nine Gallery operates as an artist cooperative gallery, with each of the member artists and the board dividing gallery duties and artists roles. The artists will work together to help each other advance in skill and practice, as well as to bring success to the gallery. With over two dozen artists occupying a large, three-room space of the more factory-reminiscent portion of the Circle City Industrial Complex, Full Circle Nine offers a wide variety of art forms, media, and approaches.

The gallery has resumed weekend hours, 12-4pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Full Circle Nine Gallery is located at 1125 Brookside Ave., Indianapolis, IN, 46202, in the South Studios section of the Circle City Industrial Complex. For more information, or for artists interested in joining the Full Circle Nine, please visit www.fullcirclenine.com