Lillian MacKinney
This series of 30 6"x6" India ink paintings explores the daily lives of public school students in Milwaukee through intimate observations. Working with a limited palette, I use the fluidity of ink to reflect the complexity of my students’ experiences, where love, hardship, humor, and resilience coexist. Each piece contributes to a larger narrative, honoring the individuality of students whose lives are often reduced to statistics. In the classroom, limited resources, sometimes as basic as pencils, bandages, or consistent staffing, shape the learning environment. High teacher burnout, low pay, and lack of support create instability that students, especially those from low-income backgrounds and students of color, are left to navigate. Attendance gaps further widen inequities, leaving empty seats and missed opportunities. While my work acknowledges these challenges, it also centers the joy, connection, and community my students create within and beyond the classroom.
My practice is deeply tied to my role as a first-year teacher and a period of personal transition. After earning degrees in studio art and psychology from Wake Forest University, I moved to Milwaukee, where I continue to learn from both colleagues and students. Teaching has become an extension of my artistic process, grounding me in observation, empathy, and reflection. My classroom is a constant source of inspiration, shaping what I create. Through my work in both the classroom and the studio, I am learning to navigate growth and to listen closely.
