Inspired by a recent trip to Yosemite National Park, artist Jackie Leishman became interested in the talus and rock fragments piled up at the base of the cliffs. Their varying shapes, precarious angles and inherent tension spoke to her and she started creating Yosemite 12 as a reverse drawing using printmaking ink to lay down the image structure. Then she allowed the piece to evolve organically, adding collage elements with paper, photographs and monotypes.
The entire Yosemite series explores the beauty found in tension, nature and our lives. Each piece is a unique essay on the natural environment, contrasting the violence and constant movement of water with the solid strength of an otherwise unyielding stone landscape.
Image courtesy of Jackie Leishman.
xx Jeanine
This article was originally published in RANGE Magazine Issue Eight.