Leslie Lemberg

Artist's note: For many years I worked on a series of paintings I refer to as the 'Alchemy' series, driven to create works with an ancient patina.

"Alchemy refers to a quest for a fabled elixir capable of turning copper to gold, and quest for the 'philosophers' stone', a mythical potion that grants the drinker eternal life and ultimate wisdom."

I find myself fascinated by the idea of transforming one element into another and the stories of this ancient quest.

Many of the paintings shown here are from this series. I threw myself into these pieces, spending countless hours creating them. To achieve the patina I was searching for, experimentation evolved to a base of textured mediums, adding liquid bronze or copper mixed with colored pigments, glazed with metallic powders, highlighting the textured surface. When well lit, these pieces glow, offering endless details of interest as well as depth of spirit.

In recent years, the loft where I enjoyed a large studio space was sold. Moving to a new space coincided with many significant life changes, and much like my life, it seems my work has taken a different direction. Like me, the new series is evolving, and although a departure from "Alchemy", I am excited about where it is h...

Tufts University + Museum of Fine Arts, receiving a BS in Art from Skidmore College. Moving to NYC, studying design, packaging + advertising at SVA School of Visual Arts.

Forseti Gallery | San Diego CA
Alexander Salazar Fine Art | San Diego CA
Studio 333 | Sausalito CA
The Rose Gallery | San Diego CA
Townley Gallery | Laguna Beach CA