Leigh Oviatt
Santa Fe, NM
Wind Blown
Fiber Art
38" x 44" x 2"
2023
$2850
About
Leigh grew up in a family of artists, farmers, and educators on a cattle ranch in Bozeman, Montana, and has been immersed in art since she was a small child. She spent most of her adult life in the Pacific Northwest, and moved to the Southwest from the rugged Oregon Coast in 2018. Throughout her life she has explored weaving, painting, jewelry fabrication, film and digital photography, and has degrees in Landscape Design and Film Production. She was an active member of the renowned Darkroom Group at Lightbox Photographic Gallery in Astoria, Oregon, and has shown her photography and fiber art in multiple group and solo shows in Oregon, California, New Mexico, and Texas. She is continually inspired by her travels, road trips off the beaten path, and the natural environment. She was a Harwood Art Center SURFACE: Emerging Artist of New Mexico in 2023. She currently lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico where she creates fiber art, grows succulents, takes photos, and spends time exploring with her crazy rescue animals.
Artist Statement
I am intrigued by the history, human connection, and value of fiber art in all aspects of everyday life. Weaving is one of the most ancient art forms spanning across cultures, not only bringing beauty into the world but keeping us warm, sheltered, and comfortable. Growing up in Montana, my mother was a weaver who used wheat stalks as her material. Our sinks and bathtub were always full of wheat soaking so it could be pliable enough to create sculptures and wall hangings.
Weaving is a very slow, thoughtful process and has become my meditation practice. I rhythmically layer multiple textures, colors and shapes line by line to create a modern representation of the ancient art form. The strands of fiber act as my painting and sculptural material. Each piece begins with a bold color palette and naturally unfolds as the colors flow into soft, tactile patterns.
Portfolio
Representation
Alchemy Gallery
Madrid, NM
Art from Leigh Oviatt in other TAAC exhibitions
This is Leigh Oviatt's first TAAC exhibition