Stacy Leeman

Artist Statement

For me, abstraction is the attempt to find new ways to explore ideas and stories. My art emerges out of a narrative; but I don’t believe in stories that are simple and straightforward. The more I seek the narrative, the more paradoxical and complicated it becomes. As these narratives are put into paint, I am forced to be still and consider color, line, composition and texture, and contemplate each mark as it impacts the work as a whole.

Abstract art should not be feared. Consider this: In the natural world we see organizations and patterns that create structure -- a pattern of lines in a forest or the repetition of the colors of different flowers or leaves. In my abstract paintings I create order through repetition and motion to unify my works. I begin with a structure or symbols to guide my painting but eventually I move beyond that and create a work that is organized by my responses to what is happening on the surface of the piece.