Lucy Liew Acrylic paintings & prints on canvas

Artist Statement

Lucy Liew’s paintings have been described as a “rich tapestry of color” a reference to her colorful, multi-layered painting style. This description seems especially fitting, since it was the intricate batik fabrics, and highly patterned ikat textiles of Southeast Asia that initially captivated her as a child. But it is the rich, multiethnic “fabric” of Malaysian culture and lush, tropical landscape of Borneo that continue to inspire her work to this day. These influences meld together in Liew’s works which are characterized by a vivid color palette, rich cultural iconography, and intriguing symbolism.

What people often first notice in my floral compositions are the vivid colors and Magical Realism style, but I think what really distinguishes my art is the symbolic/representational nature of the images.  When Georgia O'Keeffe painted a flower, she would exaggerate its scale so people could appreciate its remarkable form and color...but it was still a flower. The flowers in my works might represent a family tree (a reference to "Joy of Family") evoke a mood (see the "Ethereal” works #1-3), or celebrate physical and spiritual growth (as expressed in "Joy of Living").

I feel that painting is a form of storytelling; it is a visual celebration of the human experience.  One of the recurring themes in my paintings is transformation, which can be emotional, spiritual, or physical as in birth.  These are expressed symbolically through the use of color, butterflies, tendrils or flowers. Another recurring theme is growth and discovery represented by the ancient symbol of the spiral. Spiral patterns appear again and again in the natural world, from the Milky Way galaxy to nautilus shells. Logarithmic spirals have no true beginning or end; they are an ongoing process – a connection with the infinite Creator. A third theme in my work is a journey or passage visualized as a portal.  The portal is a gateway to another realm; a journey into the unknown and the roads not (yet) taken.

I take full advantage of the acrylic medium on canvas – alternately diluting my paints and using them like watercolors or building up layers of translucent colors. My compositions are rendered using a wide range of brush strokes; from the sweeping washes of background color to the bold swirls and tendrils that bring life and energy to the composition, and finishing with the fine illustrative detail of the symbolic elements and subject. The playful juxtaposition of symbolic and metaphorical elements against a fanciful landscape evokes a magical realm where our imaginations and inspirations are free to roam. This journey provides a connection with the artwork that makes it unique for each of us.

It is through painting and drawing that I am able to transcend the barrier of language to exchange thoughts and inspirations with the viewer. I believe that the underlying oneness in all cultures, East or West, allows these images to connect with the viewer through the shared experience of life. It is my hope that my paintings will continue to evolve through the eyes and imagination of the viewer to become a source of daily inspiration and enjoyment for them.

My studio is conveniently located in San Jose, CA 95126
Call or email for a private studio visit: 408-835-2875