Embarking on a new and exciting phase of life, I felt the need to develop a deeper relationship with the artwork I created. I was interested in merging the abstract with the realistic, and to include the influence of memory, feeling and imagination. The pieces in this exhibit represent my explorations of many new things - mediums, approaches, subjects and geographic locations.

The works and teachings of three artists had a strong influence on my work:

Abstract artist, Jenny Nelson, deconstructed for me the process of making compelling abstract works. She taught me to focus on the relationships between shapes in a composition, and to strive for a feeling of “expansive volume”.

I found in artist David Friend’s teachings how to apply these ideas to realistic subjects.  His unique approach involved relinquishing control of the brush or pen to the unconscious mind.

Australian artist, Elisabeth Cummings, inspired me to sketch paintings on site abstractly and intuitively, and to include memory in the construction of the final piece.

I used a variety of mediums in the creation of the pieces on display, including oil, acrylic, gouache and charcoal - alone or in combination.  Pieces were inspired by wanderings in the northern forest, but also by adventures elsewhere, mainly the Desert Southwest.

I discovered newfound joy and freedom in creating these new pieces, and I wish to share a bit about the creative processes that I discovered.  Storybook-style explanations and reflections can be found as you move through my exhibit.

- Lee Ann Sporn, Artist