Verdant Dreams
"Verdant Dreams" draws inspiration from a cherished legacy, harmonizing the art of photographic transformation with the enduring elegance of botanical wonder. The nuanced manipulation of each element evokes a poignant dialogue between past and present, capturing the essence of timeless connection while pushing the boundaries of tradition. This evocative work compels viewers to reflect on the junctures where memory and creativity intertwine, capturing the ephemeral beauty of nature in a manner that is both singular and transcendent.
Contact the artist: lkread@me.com
Or see the artist’s website: lkread.com
Width: 4in
Leah Read
Surrounded by the serene landscapes of rural coastal Marin County, nature has been my constant muse since childhood. The National Seashore, State Parks, and vast wildlife areas that adorn my doorstep have fueled my artistic journey, imprinting the intricate details of the natural world into the fabric of my creations. As a former graphic designer, my affinity for meticulous attention to detail seamlessly informs my artistic process.
While I find joy in the literal depiction of nature, my artistic heart gravitates towards the gestural, free, and abstract. A pivotal encounter with artist Raimonds Staprans at the San Jose Museum of Art sparked a shift in my perspective. His bold use of color, simple compositions, and seemingly carefree brushstrokes challenged my rigid mindset, urging me to embrace imperfections as integral to the artistic process.
Simultaneously, my foray into encaustic painting became a lesson in patience and release. Manipulating molten wax with a torch led me to embrace the beauty of imperfections, blurring the line between memories and dreams inspired by nature. Encaustics have opened new realms of expression, fostering flexibility, pushing boundaries, and igniting an abundance of unexplored ideas.
Each artwork weaves a narrative between the meticulous and the spontaneous, capturing the essence of a world suspended between reality and imagination. In this creative dance, I find myself on a perpetual journey of growth, with an ever-expanding canvas of ideas waiting to be explored.
Email: lkread@me.com
Website: lkread.com
Instagram: lkread
Facebook: lkreadart
