My practice begins with observation; spending many hours walking in the woods taking photos, drawing from life, sitting, and watching. Nature is slow, methodical, and yet constantly moving. Sometimes, I think I am attempting to mimic this phenomenon by meticulously drawing and cutting everything by hand, slowly layering one element on top of another, and intimately examining each material. I begin by pouring thin layers of ink on multiple pieces of paper. While waiting for one piece to dry, I work on another that is ready for the next layer. This requires great patience but also allows me to work continuously without interruption. Although the imagery starts with observation, it mostly emerges out of memory and intuition.
In the studio, I am playful and non-judgmental, allowing each mark to inform the one that comes next. By cutting into the drawings I edit and transform the original into something entirely different. When the time comes to add collage elements, I often use pieces of other drawings that were cut and left behind. I struggle with each piece to let go of control while simultaneously attempting to steer it into a unified resolution. For each drawing that is successful, there are many more that are produced and discarded. In the end, the final one makes itself known, at which point I know it is time to stop.
About the Artist
Leslie Shellow was born in Washington DC and currently resides in Baltimore, MD. In her youth, Leslie had the opportunity to spend many weekends on and around the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. This early exploration in the woods and along the shoreline provided the foundation for her long-standing affinity for the outdoors. During a gap year from college, she spent a semester in Mexico with National Outdoor Leadership School where she began to deeply understand the power and beauty of nature. Leslie has been showing mostly in the Mid-Atlantic region since 2006. In 2019 she was awarded the Maryland State Arts Council Individual Artist Award for Works on Paper, as well as, in 2016, 2013, and 2010. In 2017, she was selected as a Baker Artist Award Finalist and in 2015, a Sondheim Prize Semi-finalist. In Feb. 2018, Leslie spent 4 weeks at the Jentel Artist Residency in Sheridan, WY, which led to her most recent solo exhibitions at Vis Arts in Rockville, MD and the Greenbelt Community Center. Other notable art spaces where Leslie has shown are The Delaware Center for Contemporary Art, Loyola University of MD, Goucher College, the Natl. Institute of Health, Carroll Square Gallery in DC, Arlington Arts Center in VA. She holds an MFA in Painting from Towson University, a BFA from MICA and a BA in Education from Evergreen State College. She taught Drawing at MICA for 10 years and continues to mentor emerging artists in the Baltimore region.Leslie Shellow website Leslie Shellow Leslie Shellow website Baker Artist Portfolios
Featured Work
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