Sweets for the Sweet, mixed-media painting, 48 x 96 inches
"The archetype is something that has continually interested me, in that objects or imagery imply meaning beyond the physical sense and particular icons have been repeated historically in different cultures and ages.
The author, Clarissa Pinkola Estes says, "the archetype fertilizes the mundane world."
For me, the 'act' of image making is in part a sacred ritual and within that context, empowers higher consciousness and spiritual development in a universal or cosmic sense. My imagery deals primarily with women and everyday objects and scenes that combine that object, the everyday, the spiritual and the sacred.
I have created a personal iconography with woman as hero, virgin, whore, goddess, mother and crone.
This is where the image of the modern woman merges, with the archetype.
I have enormous faith in the empowered, contemporary woman. Not in a political sense, by any means, but in the notion that through education and spiritual advancement we may evolve a consciousness with the feminine qualities of nurturance, compassion and love. It is time we have our place at the table."
The Shaman and the Trickster, acrylic on canvas, 48 x 48 inches
Leslie . Brown was born in New Kensington, Pennsylvania a small, mill town on the Allegheny River. Her earliest influence and inspiration came from her Grandfather, Lester. He encouraged her in painting and drawing and love of music at a young age. Long before home schooling was popular, they toured New York to Florida taking in the landscapes, libraries, galleries, tourist novelties and all that 1963 could offer, during her 6th grade year. This is perhaps where her love of landscape, portraiture and still life and connectedness to people outside of family began.
Ms. Brown is a graduate with University Honors of both Carnegie Mellon University and the University of New Mexico, in painting and printmaking. During her masters work, she received a fellowship to study printmaking at the distinguished Tamarind Institute of Prinkmaking in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Her career has spanned 40 years as an artist and educator and her exhibition record is extensive.
Works are featured in prominent private, corporate and museum collections throughout the United States and Europe.
Ms. Brown is a Professor at Riverside City College, in Riverside California and the Gallery Director of The Quad Gallery. During her tenure as director, The Quad Gallery has exhibited internationally renowned artists and has become one of the most respected college galleries in the Southern California region.
Ms. Brown resides in the beautiful De Luz area of Temecula, California with her husband, Christopher, Scooter, Wyatt and Bullet, their 3 dogs.
Survivor, oil & mixed media, 48 x 48 inches
Resurrection, acrylic spray paint, pastel & collage, 10 x 12 feet
Hivehead, monoprint, 30 x 22 inches
Rose Tattoo, monoprint, 30 x 22 inches
The Secret, acrylic on panel, 36 x 48 inches
Artist, Leslie A. Brown
Website: https://www.leslieabrown.com
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