Tag Archives: painting

What’s Beneath It All Is What Really Matters

31 October 2009

Submerged, originally uploaded by Leah Virsik.

My largest painting so far 48″x48″… I went through such a process with this one… from “I NEVER want to paint this large again” to “I really like it”. It’s oh, so interesting to watch my process.

This piece entitled “Submerged” will be on display at Alameda Women Artists 16th Annual Alameda Museum Exhibit & Silent Auction from November 7 through December 5, 2009 at the Alameda Museum at 2324 Alameda Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501. The Alameda Museum is located off Park Street between Central and Encinal Avenues and can be reached at 510-521-1233.

Our Opening Reception is Saturday, November 7, 2009 from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. and we’ll be having a Closing Reception & Holiday Art Boutique on Saturday, December 5, 2009 from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. We’re also having a silent auction featuring 3D mixed-media sculptural art pieces created by AWA members. The auction ends Saturday, December 5 at 2:45 p.m.

Exhibit Hours are Wednesday through Friday and Sunday from 1:30 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Hope you can make it!

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  • Artist statement

    I’m hungry to learn and it’s through my process of creating that I’m ultimately satisfied. I’m curious about different materials and take on the challenge to incorporate what I’m most drawn to into my work. I’m intrigued to discover the resulting patterns and repetition. As I create, I explore my inner landscape. I’m attempting to uncover a stifled sound. It’s my challenge to express this internal voice through my art and ultimately, boldly, out loud.

    My quest to connect my voice with my work has led me to reexamine my personal history. The threads in my bookbinding and in my collage are entwined in my familial roots. Growing up, I remember a quilt frame my dad made, taking up our entire living room. His grandmother taught him to quilt using scraps of clothing. Years later, I began a quilt when a friend was teaching a class on patchwork. To my surprise, cutting up fabric and piecing it back together reminded me of my work with paper collage.

    As a child I would sew with my mom and what I most remember is the guilt I’d feel as I jammed up her machine. Now, when the threads and material bunch up they become useful fodder for my work. In some ways the threads act as a binding element, as in my books, and in other ways they are a reflection of my internal processes.