Lisa Rosen

Artist Statement

My artwork focuses on the interplay of pieces of paper, texture, and color. As I dye and manipulate the paper, the process creates irregular patterns on the paper, which then become part of the overall design and adds dimension. The paper doesn't typically lie perfectly flat. I shape the paper to result in wrinkles and curls to add some physical dimension, so that the paper slightly lifts off the background. The surface takes on a gentle sculptural quality, enticing you to try to peek between the layers and follow the edges. I want viewers to make connections and see linkages between the pieces of paper as I focus on capturing the feeling and memory of a topic. Images are inspired by how I experience the world: the way words move through the air, or how I recall the colors on a stormy day. Ideally the viewer becomes engaged by embracing the interplay of the paper pieces, and any added elements such lines or dots. A reoccurring theme I explore is how lines contrast with the fluid and ripped edges of paper, and the explosion of colors.