I create original pieces of artwork by collecting and hand painting leaves that have been collected in Northern Ontario. Each piece is carefully framed for purchase. I began painting on leaves when I was working for a packaging company and I saw such excessive waste that I didn't have any power to change. It was very frustrating contributing to such a wasteful industry and I wanted to do SOMETHING positive to counter act that. I began reading up on species at risk and changes in the environment and painted them onto leaves as an intriguing and different learning visual. As my painting progressed, people actually started to show interest in purchasing my pieces. With encouragement from my family and friends I did actually take the leap and put my work out for sale at a local coffee shop in my home town and the response has continued to grow from there.
Every piece is fun to create because there is usually thoug ht and research incorporated into each one. Every piece has a story or reasoning behind it and how it connects to people, wildlife and the environment. Raising awareness about conservation and human impact is something I am extremely passionate about so being able to connect this with painting makes it a fun experience. Each leaf is also so unique! It is fun learning how each texture will react with each painted subject.
I most often pursue themes of wildlife and nature. I also like to highlight community, such as landmarks with sunsets or night skies. I believe being involved in a community is an important factor when it comes to creating change and building awareness for the needs of that community and its health.
As I am in school I currently and most often will work on my creations at the desk in my bedroom here in Lindsay. When visiting home in Sudbury I will often end up working at a dinning table or coffee table depending on the holiday. The framing process becomes more complex and it usually spread out to a few different areas.
I often enjoy listening to music while painting. I don't work well with distractions of conversation. Ideas pop up throughout every day life. Whether it be while on a walk or doing a mundane task like the dishes. My mind will often wander to something I have read or a fact I have learned about that I think should be highlighted in a painting. If ever I am stuck for inspiration I will often scroll through the Ontario species at risk act to see who I would like to share information on. My passion for positive impacts on nature and wildlife really direct my inspiration.
With this type of artwork there are quite a few difficult tasks. Painting on the leaf itself can be quite tedious depending on the leaf and how thin or uneven it may be. Each texture and shape varies so much that each one is a new medium. Another hurdle is often the framing. The cleaning of the glass and positioning of the leaf can be quite a process as well. There are also many different task involved from start to finish. From collecting the leaves in the fall, pressing and drying them, transferring them into a safe storage area, picking a subject to bring to life, researching, the painting, framing and then to prepping the piece for display.
I certainly have a few favourite pieces. Many of the wildlife pieces and night skies come to mind. My overall favourite may very well be my first polar bear piece called "Polar Fever". I remember I began to paint this piece because I felt so frustrated that we cannot directly do more to help animals that are suffering from the effects of climate change. There is no quick fix or even direct task that can be done to immediately aid them so I wanted to illustrate that with his expression and position. I then had written words that went into more detail of my thoughts on the subject. I was very happy with how this piece had turned out and I feel like it is perfect example of what the mission of my artwork is. I can also now proudly say that this piece sold with proceeds going to the care of the Polar Bears in Cochrane, Ont. that live in a conservatory called The Polar Bear Habitat which educates visitors on Polar Bears and climate change. So overall this piece had the impact I hope all of my pieces may one day have.
Seeing the connection that people can make when looking at a completed piece is definitely memorable. When they ask questions about myself and my process, I know they are engaged with what they are viewing and that it is creating a positive impact. For me that is important to know and remember as well, as I continue to create impressionable pieces that mean a lot more than mass produced artwork.
The purpose of this artwork is that it reduces waste. Although it is not completely waste free, I always strive to choose materials that have the smallest impact possible. My paints are not special or eco friendly but I make sure to choose paints that come in packaging that can be reused or easily recycled (no foil tubes). I use recycled kraft papers and boxes for shipping and packaging as this has the smallest impact and can be either recycled or composted. All of my printed materials (postcards, business cards, info cards and promotional material) are printed in recycled post-consumer paper whenever possible. I am also in the works of creating frames from recycled wood instead of using processed frames! Each detail is taken into account to illustrate the value and importance of waste reduction and I hope that anyone looking at my artwork can know that I will always be transparent about my process and my personal lifestyle. I believe it is important for consumers to know what their dollars are supporting, especially as it relates to the effects on the environment.
Currently I am in school for Forestry at Fleming College! I want to pursue a career that may allow me to make a positive impact on the environment and hopefully to create more of an impact than just my artwork would. I also enjoy fitness and cooking as well as spending time with my family, friends and pets. I garden a lot in the summer and try to spend time outdoors as much as possible, in any season.
I have pieces on display for purchase at Boiling Over's Coffee Vault in Lindsay (140 Kent St W, Lindsay, ON K9V 2Y4) as well as Kuppajo Espresso Bar in Sudbury (109 Larch St, Sudbury, ON P3E 1B8).
I do also have an Etsy shop that has a variety of pieces available for purchase. (https://www.etsy.com/shop/alcreativesshop) ."
You can meet Alexandra and buy her creations at The Artisan Fair in the Evinrude Centre on Dec 9, 2018 between 10 am and 2 pm!
I do also have an Etsy shop that has a variety of pieces available for purchase. (https://www.etsy.com/shop/alcreativesshop) ."
You can meet Alexandra and buy her creations at The Artisan Fair in the Evinrude Centre on Dec 9, 2018 between 10 am and 2 pm!
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