Colette Lucas
Artist Statement My whimsical botanical motifs are created from a combination of imagination and observation. My artwork is heavily inspired by my love of gardening. Childhood favorites like morning glory, compass plant, milkweed and cosmos are a constant source of inspiration.I am particularly interested in twining and curvy stems (like morning glories and garlic scapes) and plants with seedpods (like milkweed and poppies). Invasive plant and pest species fascinate me, and it is not unusual for me to incorporate references to these gardening headaches in my artwork imagery. As an artist and gardener, my spring and summer morning routine rarely varies. I start with a cup of coffee in one hand and my ‘soapy jar of death’ in the other. (Handpicking ‘bad’ bugs is a tried and true method of organic bug control, as well as a bit of payback.) This morning routine results in very close observation of plant growth and seasonal changes which are reflected in my artwork.
My methodology in creating collage begins with a seasonal palette and botanically inspired elements. Many of my papers are hand painted, though I also collect paper from print media, particularly advertising. Additionally, I use text and printmaking to create pattern and visual interest in my collage.
Biography BA in Art Education, Notre Dame College (1985)
Certified Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain Teaching Methods Instructor, California State University, Long Beach (1999)
Shows and Awards:
2011 - "CSArt", The Sharon Art Center, Peterborough, NH
2011 - "Chain Letter", Samson Gallery, Boston MA
2010 - "The Thing in the Spring Open Studio Tour", Peterborough, NH
2010 - "2D or Not 2D Exhibition", The Sharon Art Center, Peterborough, NH
2009 - "The Sketchbook Project", 8 venues including the Museum of Contemporary Art, Washington, DC and The Museum of Design, Atlanta, GA, through The Art House Co-op, Atlanta, GA
2007 - (Juror’s Choice Award) “The Art of Colored Pencil”, Juried Exhibition, Gallery 297, Bristol, RI
(Solo Show) “Springfield Dolls and the Girls Who Loved Them: Featuring Artwork by Colette Lucas and Items From the Victorian Era Collection of the Springfield Art & Historical Society”, Miller Art Center, Springfield, VT
2006 - "New Juried Member Show", Sharon Art Center Gallery, Peterborough, NH
"Colored Pencil Society of America District Chapter 112 Members Show", Cunningham Gallery, Jaffrey, NH
“The GATES Project” (Juried International Mission Project Sponsored by IGU), San Francisco, CA
“3 Man Colored Pencil Show” (Caulfield, Lucas & Winchester-Larson) Miller Art Center, Springfield, VT
“Out of The Box, The Colored Pencil as a Fine Art Medium”, Juried Exhibition, Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester, NH
2005 - “Explore This!” International Juried Exhibition, Colored Pencil Society of America, Le Brea, CA
“Wish You Were Here” Postcard Show, National Collage Society, Cork Gallery, Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center, NYC
"Student & Faculty Exhibition", Sharon Arts Center, Peterborough, NH
2004 - "Faculty Exhibit", Sharon Arts Center, Peterborough, NH
“Colored Pencil Society of New England Juried Exhibition”, Sharon Art Center, Peterborough, NH
GROUP SHOWS:
2010, 2009, 2007, & 2006 Three Squared Artist Group (formerly In The Company of Artists) Multimedia Show, Peterborough, NH
2010, 2009, 2004, 2003 & 2001 Monadnock Art Tour (formerly Dublin Art Colony Tour)
COLONY FELLOW:
I-PARK, East Haddam, CT, Mercy Gallery at the Loomis Chaffee School, Windsor, CT