Arizona Artist a Day: Day 334: Lara Plecas

Lara Plecas has been a visual artist exhibiting work in the Valley since 2000. She was a part of the budding art community in downtown Phoenix that resides along Roosevelt and Grand Avenue. She was a member of the Eyelounge Artists collective from 2010-2013, during this time they had group exhibitions in Israel and at the Mesa Arts Center; and the Mesa Arts Center has since acquired her work for their permanent collection. She recently exhibited two large scale pieces on display at the Phoenix Airport Museum at Sky Harbor Airport. Lara’s work utilizes elements of folk art and textile patterns reimagined through old papers and book pages. Her works are narrative and tell stories of nostalgia and family history, much like a quilter.

In this series, titled “Lineage” I take a deeper look into the memories, stories and items that have been passed down through the generations. Exploring the Homestead of my husband’s family and the rooting of his family here in the west. Pondering the items left behind by our families and imagining them being used in their day. Continuing the connection with our lineage and understanding the struggles our family endured, is a common theme that I am continuing to explore. The materials that I use such as old papers, maps, wallpaper and books recall an era of nostalgia.

The sanding through layers of paper reveal a time worn sensibility that I am trying to recall. I draw my inspiration from folk arts such as quilting, where the women recycled old used clothing to create beautiful patterns that tell stories of their struggles; all the while creating an essential element of warmth and survival.

She currently has an exhibit up through the month of January 2018 at the Chartreuse Gallery on Grand Avenue.

-1st & 3rd Friday receptions from 6-10pm.

http://larakupcikevicius.blogspot.com/

http://www.desertcrafted.com/

Image list:

1. Pipeline

48" x 96"

collage on panel

2014

2. The American Frontier

48" x 96"

collage on panel