Gwaylon Leaf

Lives and works in Reno, NV, USA

Artist statement

Uprooted Series Artists Statement Uprooted is a series of paintings based on daily meditation. Each painting is a recording of thoughts and feelings that are translated into a visual lexicon derived from abstract shape and color. The namesake of this series is derived from the image of an uprooted blooming lily. In classical Chinese painting, this image signifies an ability to thrive in spite of adversity, like a flower that continues to bloom even though it has been uprooted. Being multicultural, I have often felt uprooted. However, in embracing my mixed heritage I feel as though I have embodied the idea of the uprooted, blooming lily. I have established a lexicon of shapes, symbols, and colors that I use to express meditations on my uprooted experience. In creating abstract work, I can directly express ideas that can not be expressed in words and representative image.

Artwork