Leslie Butterfield
I am a tactile person, drawn to a variety of media including paint, paper, feathers, shells, glass, and clay. Several times each week I kayak on Sarasota Bay where my encounters with nature and the environment influence my work. Even when traveling, themes from the outdoors show up in my paintings and collages. While I am sensitive to our culture and to what is happening in the world, I am inclined to put aside my negative emotions and allow the beauty of the world around me to become the subject of my art.
I am trained as a textile designer and studied art history and aesthetics in grad school, yet today I am a visual artist, constantly seeking a balance between my design sensibilities and my desire to express my feelings freely. Tactile elements always show up and I cannot help but add layers to my work whether as color or materials. Each project is a joy to me and I hope to bring a smile to others when they see my work.
Originally I was an abstract oil painter. Intuitively I would add more paint, movement, shape and texture to the work. As the piece developed, the color would bring me into the painting. My work was emotionally expressive, pressing my feelings out onto the canvas. Now, drawing with pastels my work is more about deliberate choices. My painting compositions reflect my stories about travel, love and family. My inspiration is derived from mother nature, learning and exploring the world outside myself as well as my internal journey of self-reflection.
For further information, visit Beverly’s website: WWW.BEVERLYASMITH.COM