Leah Rei

Artist Statement-

 My current body of work is centered around and inspired by nature.  Although some imagery is recognizable, a fair amount of my work can also be considered abstract.  I approach each piece with the intent of expressing a part of nature and the feelings surrounding it in a loose non-realistic manner.  Marc Chagall once said, “Great art picks up where nature ends.”  This phrase embodies in one sentence what I am chasing as an artist.

Nature is not just a sight to be seen but also an experience.  I am working to explore the intangible moments of when the shadows and light shift, when the breeze rustles just the right way, or when the sun warms your skin.  These moments are brief but substantial.  As such, my art is an exploration of color, light, and texture with a sophisticated and thoughtful touch.

My technical approach includes the use of mixed media, gold and silver leaf, and fluid acrylic inks.  I find the fluidity of the inks allows me to guide the painting with a mixture of intuition and intention.  This approach lends an air of serendipity to my work as I find a balance between what is seen and what is expressed. In addition to acrylic ink, I find the use of gold and silver leaf an integral part of my creative process. Gilded gold and silver accents throughout my work help to express reflections of light found throughout nature.

I draw further inspiration from the life and works of American artist Helen Frankenthaler.  I am drawn to her confidence and need to express what she saw and experienced.  Mrs. Frankenthaler once said about her own works, “my pictures are full of climates, abstract climates.  They're not nature per se, but a feeling.”  I feel similarly about my own works, as they are an expression of nature not a direct depiction. 

I have been working as a professional artist for 10 years, which puts me in a unique position to have experience but also be early in my career.  I started working as a professional artist immediately after graduating with my Bachelors of Fine Art at the age of 21.  As a professional artist, I enjoy working with those that share a passion and appreciation for art.  It is my ultimate goal to create art that not only satisfies my need for expression but also resonates with my collectors.  I am truly excited by my chosen career path and I am eagerly looking forward to the growth ahead.  Early life-

Early life-

Born in Colorado, Leah moved to Arizona along with her family in early adolescents.  Creativity and craftsmanship were always encouraged and fostered by her family.  When Leah was just a girl, her mother taught her how to sew and embroider which sparked a need to constantly be creating.  She has fond memories of coloring and making collages sprawled out on the grass in the front yard at her childhood home.  Throughout her youth, she developed a voracious appetite for all forms of art.

Education-

Leah attended Arizona State University on an academic scholarship choosing to major in Fine Arts with an emphasis in Painting.  While studying in the arts she was exposed to many different areas of concentration.  Always hungry for more, Leah took as many classes as possible to explore painting, drawing, printmaking, fibers and ceramics.  This is where she learned that she was truly excited by working with integrated techniques and mixed media.  She graduated with honors in 2009.  Most recently, Leah pursued a Masters of Business Administration from University of Arizona, graduating in the fall of 2018.  She understands that part of the artist spirit is also one of entrepreneurship and utilizes this degree when navigating the life and business of a professional artist.

Inspiration-

She finds a great deal of inspiration in nature and is often drawn to creating works that honor this.  When in need of a muse, Leah takes to the trails of Phoenix Arizona, where she currently resides.  Leah hikes to clear her mind and refocus her efforts.  Working mostly in fluid acrylics, her art is an exploration of color, light and texture with the desire to represent all that inspires her with a sophisticated and thoughtful touch.