Iko, Iko Painting

Growing up in Southeastern Louisiana, AnnMarie LeBlanc was exposed early on to a rich life of storytelling, a blending of cultures and languages, regional lore, and history. Intrigued by archetypal subjects, mythologies, and by what is perceived and what is beyond perception, LeBlanc's art focuses on subjects from the natural world such as the transformations that happen below the surfaces of the earth and sea as well as the skies above. References to botanical forms and landscape can be found throughout her work. An additional theme is the idea of sanctuary. Believing that in honoring one’s secure thoughts and inner dialogue, a sanctuary can become a consecrated place and one of refuge. For this artist that place is most often found both in nature and when engaged in creating. LeBlanc's images have been included in numerous national and international adjudicated exhibitions and publications, a dozen solo or two-person exhibitions and her works are included in over 300 private and corporate collections in the U.S. and abroad. LeBlanc lives in Western North Carolina where she resides with her husband and two canine companions. Her move to the Blue Ridge Mountains came after a decision to step down from a career as a university professor of art and design to once again embrace art-making full time.