Through my own creative process I have experienced creativity to be the language of the soul expressed through the vehicle of individuality. The creative process is a spiritual adventure! In that adventure we gain access to that which is fully and originally ourselves.

Hakuin wrote: “If you forget yourself, you become the universe.” Forgetting oneself is a mysterious act of surrender that spontaneously allows us to release and open up, allowing something to arise. We become transparent. There is nothing to hide and creative stirrings begin to be revealed. An energy, a life force, a quickening occurs and is translated into unique expression. The muse can speak through us. It is here, in the unknown, that we are able to trust.

“Trusting my stirrings” has allowed me to explore a variety of mediums for the mixed media pieces I compose on paper, canvas, boxes, and panels. This may include pieces from my collection of various forms from nature.

My inspiration for collecting natural forms came when I decided to keep a few tops of jack-o-lanterns I had made when my children were very young. Many months later, to my surprise, I found them petrified, beautifully preserved in their final resting place. I continued on with other interesting forms I found either from walks in nature or trips to the market.

Allowing these organic forms to decompose over time has resulted in a unique collection I continue to cultivate. Through this collecting process I have been witness to a distinctly rich and unique world of transmutation and transformation in shape, color, form, texture and vibrational energy.

I have been fascinated by this dynamic tension of life and entropy ever since working with people with AIDS and cancer as an Art Therapist. The degenerative process is a very private, personal experience. What has occurred has been composed, as a work of art is composed, over an extended period of time. All life forms have their uniquely choreographed dance of life. I feel this is also true of the creative process.

My intention is to pay homage to this dynamic tension, visually expressed in an artful language through mixed media paintings, assemblages, and encaustic. It is my hope that the essence of beauty I see through the lens of my artwork transmits a sense of inspiration and delight.

— Leah Venae

Contact Leah Venae

Phone: 303-447-9435 • Email:leah@venaestudio.com