Leah Macdonald

My work is a dialogue between my imagination, my curiosity, my imperfections and my desires. I express the tales of womanhood, sharing stories through form, color and texture.

I am a portrait artist and I photograph primarily women, and then embellish the photographs with layers of beeswax, colored wax, painting and drawing. Adding wax for texture and color for mood changes the black and white photographs. I use paper as an extension of my skin; I pull it and peel it, a wash it, paint it, tear it and draw on it. Wax embellishes and veils the nudity of my subjects and I draw to decorate and control the image. The ability to layer mediums and constantly change appearance and texture allows me to stray from reality and reach the playground of imagination. I am interested in images from nature and designs that have floral and intricate forms.

A stained photograph and a ripped corner speak of life's lessons. Each movement is ultimately important to me. My work is close to home and reflects my self, it hints to my flaws and I accept the beauty of accidents.

I have various interests within art. I shoot digital commercial photography and I make handmade books. I enjoy design and making things with my hands. I also teach a number ...

1998 Masters of Fine Art Photography, California College of Arts & Crafts, Oakland, CA

1993 Bachelor of Fine Art Photography, San Francisco Art Institute, San Francisco, CA

May 2016
The Bazemore Gallery
Philadelphia, PA

APRIL 2016
SE CENTER
Greenville, SC

May 2015
GUSH Gallery
Philadelphia, PA