Featured Artist Charlotte Lees

Enjoy the delightful portfolio of sculptor Charlotte Lees, who channels inspiration from architecture and nature in her mixed media work. View more on her website.

 

 

I am a native of Ohio and received my Master’s degree from Case Western Reserve University and the Cleveland Institute of Art. In 1995, I was awarded the Ohio Arts Council Individual Artist Fellowship. I’ve been fortunate to spend time travelling and observing images, both tribal and ethnic, from diverse cultures. I frequently include these patterns in my work.

 

 

My artwork has been inspired by architectural structures and the influence they have on our surroundings. The relationship between man and his environment has been the focus of my recent work.

 

 

And, using nature as my catalyst, I collect and store images that I see around me. I hold these images in my memory bank to be later transformed into unique works of art.

 

 

Having been trained as a painter and printmaker, my sculpture has a two-dimensional quality.  Working primarily in wood, I carve, assemble and paint my pieces to achieve the desired surface. Some sculptures contain added materials such as birch bark, metal or photo images.  These added elements help to create a complex and visually exciting landscape.

 

 

Fortunately, I live near one of our fabulous Metro Parks and have observed, over the years, environmental changes. I feel it is important to celebrate and protect our natural resources.

 

 

Recently I have been exploring the process of bending wood and how I could incorporate that technique into my work. It has taken me on quite an artistic journey. Exploring new techniques is both challenging and rewarding. I am constantly searching for new ways to expand my artistic vocabulary by exploring my world thorough “fresh eyes.”

 

 

Each day I am in my studio contemplating my next project. I like to work in series, such as my Structure Series, Bentwood Series, Earth Series and Nature Series. When I have exhausted one theme, I explore another exciting venue. This keeps my artistic juices flowing.

 

 

I’m passionate about art. I have successfully completed both public and private commissions in stainless steel, aluminum, bronze and wood. I enjoy the freedom of developing concepts without material constraints.

 

 

Beauty matters, and my goal is to create lasting images that connect man to his environment.

 

Charlotte Lees invites you to follow on Instagram. 

 

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