Lori Bradley

Painting & collage – portfolio:
http://www.loribradleyart.com/collageshow/index.html

Mixed-media paintings and collages.  I paint with acrylic media, although I love the texture and depth of encaustic.  I don’t like working with wax though, so I’ve spent some time developing a technique with layered acrylic medium to emulate the look of encaustic.

“Strata” Acrylic media and collage on wood panels – 24 inches by 48 each.  48 inches by 72 inches – installed as set

In my current work, I explore landscape not as tangible, permanent, and solid, but as a series of memories and moments – ephemeral and ever changing. I’m inspired by memories of the autumn ritual I had with my mother of taking long hikes in search of plants, leaves and sticks for dried arrangements. My mother encouraged me to look up at the scenery around me but I was more interested in the patterns of leaves, twigs, rocks and small creatures I saw on the ground. I was acutely aware of the unrelenting passage of time and how the patterns I was observing wouldn’t be the same, even if I turned around and walked back on the same path again.

I still spend a lot of time outdoors, walking and randomly photographing things that inspire me.  Later, in the studio, I layer the photos with Photoshop and then with paint and various acrylic media.  It’s through the layering process – a spiritual, contemplative process for me – that I make the original objects my own, connecting internal with external inspirations.

I’m always acutely aware of the transient nature of things. It gives me a sense of peace to preserve images of fleeting moments. I add a literal embodiment of “frame of reference” by incorporating a visual frame into each image – emphasizing the act of attempting to preserve time through art.