Alexis Lee's Portfolio
Through all the ups and downs of life, art has always been the one thing that brings me peace. Art is my safe haven and my escape from reality. When I paint, sketch, or draw all of my stresses and worries seem to vanish, even if it's only for a little while.
As a little kid, I was always surrounded by markers, crayons, pastels, etc. I was brought up in a very free environment in which I could explore different mediums and express my creativity. However, as I grew older my creativity started to fade as I tried to fit in with others. I tried to copy the reference photos as accurately as possible and tried to conform to traditional artistic values. While I still struggle with showing visible scuffs, marks, sketches, etc. I feel like I have found my own voice in art and have gained the confidence to create my own original pieces. I have found watercolor to be one of my favorite mediums due to the playfulness of all colors and the fluidity of the paint. I also enjoy using graphite pencils because of the steadiness and precision of the pencil. The ability of the pencil to create light hues and dark hues to add form and depth to a drawing is something that never fails to amaze me.
I tend to draw inspiration from both the beauty of the world as well as current issues. I love to draw the beauty of nature and God’s beautiful creation. However, I also think that art is a powerful voice that can bring more awareness to the world. Current issues such as mental health, addiction, poverty, and pollution are all common themes within my portfolio. I think the way a painting or drawing can capture emotion is such a unique and powerful way to send a message.
In the future, I hope to stay in the art field and become an art history major. With this major, I plan to become an art dealer and maybe open up my own gallery. I have a special connection with contemporary art, modern art, and other abstract movements specifically with the artists Basquiat, Matisse, Monet, Kandinsky, and Lichenstein. I think I have a special fondness for these artistic styles because of the playfulness and creativity from these artists and movements. I hope to continue visual art as a hobby rather than a profession. Art is something that will always mean so much to me. It is my escape from reality, something that lets me express myself and be who I truly am.