Calendar > Artist
 
Art Exhibit: LEAFSCAPES by Jeri Francis, Testarossa Winery
 
Call 408-354-6150 x21.

The Santa Cruz Mountains are not only home to many excellent vineyards, but they are also the home of many diverse and beautiful plant species. However, these species have become increasingly threatened with extinction by a variety of factors:

• Urban development
• agricultural conversion
• logging
• fire / climate change
• invasive species overtaking native plant life

In this series of plant collage/paintings, I attempt two things:

1. to bring the viewer a pleasurable visual experience with an emphasis on the beauty of nature
2.  to preserve plant material/DNA so that it may extracted for possible study, or even cloning, in the future
   

I intend for the heavy overlays of acrylic medium to act as a protective encasement, preserving the plant material in a way similar to amber preserving a prehistoric insect for millennia. These ARTISTIC FOSSILS could be used by science in the future to understand and possibly revive extinct or endangered species. My more immediate hope is that these compositions bring pleasure to others by bringing the beauty of nature indoors as art.

Plants and everything in nature radiates energy. Color also radiates energy. This energy may be invisible but does affect us; studies have  shown that color influences behavior. These compositions incorporate my design and color sensibilities, creativity and playfulness in an effort to make lasting artifacts that are relaxing, cheerful, uplifting, calming and harmonious. I also hope that these pieces inspire a deeper appreciation for the beauty of nature in those who look upon them.

Jeri Francis is a fine artist and graphic designer who enjoys experimenting with a variety of artistic styles and techniques. She currently resides in Morgan Hill, and her exploration of the many spectacular parks and open space preserves in the Santa Cruz Mountain area has led her to this latest series of collage/paintings, which are called Leafscapes. Her work has been displayed at galleries, alternative spaces, juried exhibits and charitable benefits. She is happy to have her art in the homes and lives of many people in many places.

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