Leslie Yolen
"I am interested in creating works that are evocative rather than descriptive. My interest is in exploring the expressive potential of various media and the physicality of materials. These mixed media sculptures speak to the cycles of life, memory and the passage of time while exploring themes of nature, mysticism, science, and spirituality. I often work with wax for its ethereal qualities, incorporating natural materials as a metaphor for the life cycle. The translucence and depth wax provides adds to the mystery and intangible aspects of the themes I address. The resulting neutral color pallet is quiet and serene evoking the essential qualities of moments of repose experienced when in our local agricultural landscape. I find working w/neutral tones can sometimes be the key to capturing a sublime emotional state. I hope associations for the viewers help deepen their awareness of our connections to the invisible spiritual world as well as the natural world and its precarious position today."
Leslie Yolen lives and works in the Helderberg Mountains of eastern New York. She has worked predominantly in clay until recently when painting and sculpture became her more prominent mediums. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Bennington College, a Master of Science Degree in Visual Arts Education from the College of Saint Rose and continues to study with renowned artists in workshop settings. Her career in arts education has provided a broad perspective in how meaning is made from the visual experience, and what that contributes to our shared humanity. Leslie recently retired from her position as the Arts Education Associate at the New York State Education Department. Prior to working with NYSED, Leslie taught Visual Art in the public schools. Previously, she held several artist residencies in the schools and operated a successful art studio business while directing a cooperative fine arts & craft gallery. When not in her studio, she spends time in her glorious gardens, with her husband, two Great Danes and two kittens.
