Ragen's paintings pay homage to the Symbolist painters of the late nineteenth century as well as the sinuous, organic aesthetic of Art Nouveau. Themes of transformation and rebirth are presented dramatically, often the pieces feature women merging with animals, nature or elements of the organic world and the richly emotional, mystical quality of her work suggests connection to an unseen energy, or divine force inhabiting the realm of the physical. Ragen Mendenhall is a native of Las Vegas, Nevada, and her love of art and her unusual skill for drawing was evident from an early age. Even as a...more
