Artist Statement
I firmly believe that all life is inter-connected. And that our current urban lifestyle doesn’t allow us to fully experience those connections. In many ways our reliance on technology and appetite for luxury has fostered a major disconnect with a harmonious balance in the overall divine health of life on the planet. Instead of having respect and understanding of nature as the framework for a healthy life, nature becomes resources to be exploited and a quaint side note or a beautiful background.
With our planets increasing challenges, we’re now forced to rediscover the values of natural systems, and implement changes towards a more balanced approach to urban design. Balancing life with nature is something our ancestors already knew. Seeing the evidence of ancestral memory in music and art I believe we’re learning to reconnect with nature in many other helpful ways.
Many things influence my artwork; like everyday scenes, nature’s paths of movement, animal and human forms, landscape with trees, mountains and oceans, skylines and urban environments. My compositions come from everywhere; my art comes from the subconscious and the spirit.
As an artist my goal is produce art to increase awareness of environmental balance and celebrate the human spirit. It is important to support collaborative projects that bring together: Multi-media arts, Youth education and Environmental concerns.
About the Art
Inspired by the qualities of the materials, Monro often chooses, but is not limited, to use reclaimed wood, sheet metal and found objects. Creating artistic commentary expressing aspects of life, finding lines and shapes that resemble life and capture moments. What appears in the abstract compositions could be a landscape, cityscape, animal forms or perhaps a face, it all depends on what is seen.
Using a multimedia approach, drawings, photographs and light are part of the art process. There is a strong commitment to experimentation and intuition. Ultimately whatever the resulting artform, it's a combination of personal expression and the innate behavior of the materials.
About the Artist
Lea Monro was born in Holyoke, Massachusetts, to parents of African and Native American decent, as well as German Jewish decent. Growing up, Lea’s family was very much involved in higher education and social change in their communities. Having a deep curiosity about many things, at a very young age Lea never stopped asking questions and learning about different cultures dance, food, art and beliefs. She also found the complexity of the natural world facsinating. She has a particular interest in very old trees and ocean life. With her unique energetic connection to nature, it seemed right to want to see all life treated justly. As an artist her work is about experiencing life's moments of love, passion and pain then reveal in the artwork what is commonly beautiful to share with others.
Ms. Monro has a BA in Studio Art from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and an MFA in Fine Arts from Howard University in Washington DC. Lea has a background in theater, film and modern dance. In addition to showing and selling art, she has also worked professionally in public program administration, education and real estate. As a concerned citizen, Lea is committed to supporting environmental and humanitarian organizations.
