Bio:
Lee Beaton is an interdisciplinary visual artist based in Portage la Prairie, MB. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts Honours Degree at Brandon University. Beaton works full-time as the Manager of Gallery Operations at Prairie Fusion Arts & Entertainment, the art gallery and theatre in Portage la Prairie. Beaton has had several solo exhibitions, including three gallery exhibitions of 1000 Faces Hidden Within and has participated in numerous group exhibits at several galleries including Between IV, at the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba in Brandon in 2018. In 2019, the Community Foundation of Portage and District commissioned Beaton to create fifty unique conceptual paintings of their logo. Beaton was named Portage la Prairie’s Arts and Cultural Person of the Year for 2017. Her latest projects include a Solo Exhibition, Gala Fundraiser Paintings at Prairie Fusion Arts & Entertainment’s Pop-Up Gallery and her Solo Exhibit, Wide Open Spaces, 2021 in Winnipeg at Cre8ery Gallery & Studio and in Hamiota in 2022.
Artist Statement:
Life is complex and we view ourselves through the filters thrust upon us by our circumstances. Exploring colour, texture and perspective in a variety of mediums including acrylic, watercolour, image transfer, abstracts and mixed media installation, I share a part of myself in each piece. From the hypnotic turn of the wheel to the stroke of the brush on canvas or paper, a sense of intrigue and mystery shines through in the beauty created. Creating artworks significant to my life, referencing my past and how it has influenced today, is an important aspect of my art practice. Looking closer at my past has helped me to share my story while also inspiring others with the hope of overcoming darkness and trauma. I like using colour, texture in unusual ways, often creating non-typical portraits of people and animals. In my paintings, I switch between brush and palette knives, creating texture with the application of paint. Each layer added, contains a variety of materials and techniques. Using image transfers and collage as a base lead to an added texture. I use photographs I have taken when I am out living life as inspiration for my work. Sometimes I am drawn to the intensity of the clouds in the sky or the contrast of the blues and greens of nature, or shadows cast on the snow. Each photo captures a moment, and every painting captures my response to that moment. Using photographs as guides I adapt the painting or drawing to what feels satisfying, loosely creating an image filled with beauty and emotions. Overcoming barriers, both real and perceived, has guided me to see beauty where others might not. This has pushed me to go beyond my comfort level and has helped me develop creatively. Incorporating imaginary and real subjects into each painting and ceramic piece brings a closer understanding of who I am and where I came from. Creating is a catalyst that brings a deeper understanding and healing of my past. When darkness is flooded with light, imperfections become visible. For me, sharing my flaws under a positive light offers hope to others that we can rise above our circumstance and become stronger. Creating art is how I share life’s beauty.
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