Atelier Of Leah

Koi with Lotus

2007-04-25T13:34:00.000-04:00

Untitled
2'x7' acrylic on board

click images for larger view

(detail of painting above)

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Intelligence, Beauty, or Both?

2007-04-02T14:25:00.000-04:00

Intelligence, Beauty, or Both? Acrylic 25.5"x47.5"

Koi have come to be known to me as a liminal subject--precarious between passion and peace. I see them as regenerative, determined and contemplative creatures swimming on the edge of something great. Had they seen the floods of Atlantis? Were they in a pond in Hiroshima? Will our views grant them intelligence, or only beauty? Can't one exist and function as both?

(Detail of Intelligence, Beauty, or Both?)

Vibration

2007-03-29T18:36:00.000-04:00

'Vibration' 4'x2', acrylic on board Summer 2006.
The whole figure on the right has a vibration
worth a further look - click on the picture to
see a larger version.

Composition has transparent interference
paint smears in gold and transparent blue,
they catch the light from opposite angles.

This piece sits at the top of my favorites list
for fast color work.

'Vibration' - detail
Click on images for larger view.

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Koi VII

2007-03-20T23:03:00.000-04:00

Koi VII 18x24' acrylic on canvas
spring/summer 2006
includes translucent interference golds and blues at choice spots, visible from separate angles.

One of my favorites.

Click on photo for larger view.

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Practice Makes Perfect

2007-03-01T20:37:00.000-05:00

The following may not be portfolio pieces, but they are the pieces leading up to greater works, and may be mentioned here:

Left: Cafard, 2x2' acrylic on board
Right: Ambitus, 10x16" acrylic on board

Winter 2007

To Fall (dreosan) 4x8' (Three stages shown here: Sketch, Color Prep, and Last) acrylic on board.

note:
I enjoyed the prep work and underlayings of this one more than the finished product... the board will be sliced soon to make new (smaller) paintings.

October, 2006.

Solecism I-V Series 2x4' acrylic on board
landscape and portrait orientations
Autumn 2005

This piece began with about 20 figures, then slowly, in the fashion of Lucien Bernhard, a turn of the century poster designer, the figures were reduced until only the necessary fish remained.

Solecism II
Autumn 2006

Name derrived from soloikismos, a latin term, which means 'to speak incorrectly'.
Commonly interpreted as a breach of good manners; a piece of incorrect behavior.

Solecism III & IV
Autumn 2006

Solecism V 12x16" acrylic on canvas
Summer 2005

Dicing. 18x24" Oil on Canvas
Work in Progress.
Summer 2005
(poor photo w. reflections on the surface)

Solecism VI and Solecism VII

2x2' acrylic on board
Spring 2005

Left: Baccia 2x2' acrylic on board
Spring 2005

Right: Koi 1 4x2' acrylic on board.
Spring 2005
Composition and colors after Joseph Rafael's watercolor
'shadow light'

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Origins

2006-06-25T13:26:00.000-04:00

"Probably surprising to many westerners is the large of amount of ancient myth that surrounds these beautiful fish in the Orient and their elevated status there. Generally known here as the brightly colored fish that are common in public ponds and fountains, carp (koi is Japanese for carp) can be found in colors that include white, yellow, gold, a deep orange, and some are even calico-colored. Particularly beautiful specimens have been known to fetch prices in excess of half-a-million dollars from private collectors who specialize in their breeding and showing. However, the koi is more than just a colorful and collectible fish. It is also one of the most popular and beautiful of Japanese tattoo symbols – a beauty which belies its symbolic meaning. Although Chinese in origin, the carp is now widely celebrated in Japan, particularly for its manly qualities. It is said to climb waterfalls bravely, and, if caught, it lies upon the cutting board awaiting the knife without a quiver, not unlike a samurai (warrior) facing a sword. This theme dates back to ancient China, where a legend tells of how any koi that succeeded in climbing the falls at a point called Dragon Gate (on the Yellow River) would be transformed into a dragon. Based on that legend, it became a symbol of worldly aspiration and advancement. Eventually, the stoic fish came to be associated with so many masculine and positive qualities that it was appropriated for the annual Boys' Day Festival in Japan where even today colorful, streaming koi flags are traditionally displayed for each son in the family. In tattoo imagery, especially in combination with flowing water, it symbolizes much the same: courage, the ability to attain high goals, and overcoming life's difficulties." (Source Link)

Koi Erotic?

2006-04-13T10:07:00.000-04:00

At a posh dinner party, I was told that 'koi' were known to have erotic connotations. To my dismay, a small Japanese man could not analyze my sexual thoughts or libido by viewing my work, but the idea did cause me to reexamine my work.
Traditionally, koi is a symbol of strength, courage and patience. The phrase "Koi no takinobori" is associated with the fish climbing waterfalls and translates into the idea "to succeed vigiorusly in life".

Being only six paintings into my explorative study, I am still discovering the affect of my subject and technique. You will see evolution. Along with aiding as my painter's diary, in this setting, I am asking for your responses, your ideas, comparisons, impressions, etc. Please comment!