Just Say No
oil, sculpture, mixed media
on canvas
48" x 48"
Nancy Calef paints people juxtaposed in ordinary
situations while humorously addressing issues facing society.
Her addition of the 3rd dimension (breaking the plane of the
canvas with sculpture and found objects) exemplifies the commonality
of individuals throughout the world. She has also created
a body of work through her travels while studying the culture
and landscape of many countries.
Another Day at the Office
oil, sculpture, mixed media
on canvas; newspaper
clippings chronicling
events of 9/11 cover floor
and walls
30" x 36"
Looking Up
oil, sculpture, mixed media
on canvas
48" x 36"
Born in Bronx, New York, I completed Bronx High School of
Science at age 15 and received a scholarship from the College
of New Rochelle to study painting and sculpture. In 1977,
I moved to San Francisco, where I've continued to paint; I
also exhibit nationally in solo and group shows.
I have lived in Europe and Thailand, traveled throughout the
U.S., Mexico, Central America, Southeast Asia, India and Nepal,
all of which served to develop my painting style and sharpen
my understanding of the cultural and spiritual diversity of
the world landscape. Having experienced the harsh side of
urban life, I'm moved to paint society from my imagination,
juxtaposing characters in ordinary situations. I often tackle
difficult issues while incorporating humor and adding the
third dimension (sculpture and found objects on canvas). I
have come to realize that art is truly a universal language.
The Patriot Act
oil, sculpture, tile, mixed media on canvas
24"x 36"
The People's Poet Laureate - Jack Hischman
oil, sculpture, mixed media on canvas
30" x 40"
The creative path is a difficult one, filled
with judgment and rejection. After 20 years of serious art-making,
I know that I do not have a career choice. I must create to
feel whole. And everyday, when I take the brush to canvas,
although I am confronted with fear and insecurity, I also
tap into a limitless source of imagery. When I'm fortunate,
time falls away and it seems that the work is creating itself.
World Music
oil on canvas
48" x 60"
Bread to Chips
oil, sculpture, computer parts,
mixed media on canvas
40" x 30"
Varanassi, India
oil on canvas
36" x 48"
The Threshold
oil, sculpture, mixed media on canvas
40" x 30"
Ladies' Luncheon
Another Day at the Office
The Patriot Act
World Music 
Varanassi, India