Leisa Rich
Ocean Atmosphere, 2023
Recycled and repurposed fabrics, Fosshape©, lucite domes, PLA, acrylic paint, foam 10' X 10' X 10'
The risk of extinction across marine species is increasing at an alarming pace. Waters are warming due to climate change, and as a result, oxygen is depleted. Mass extinctions are likely to occur if human behavior does not change and accelerating greenhouse gas emissions are not halted. Some relief is possible if conservation efforts that preserve marine biodiversity take top priority. Ocean Atmosphere places the public into an immersive installation made from the very materials that contribute to the issue, that mimic the depths of the waterways. Skeletal remains within the blue water on the floor hint at endangered sea creatures like turtle, whale, and dolphin. It is my hope that viewer participants might take a moment while in the installation to ponder this issue, and that we might collectively bring more awareness to the plight of frivolous abuse of resources, rein in our personal bad behaviors, and put a halt to the devastating destruction that might be ahead.
Leisa Rich
Drifters, 2024
Velvet, recycled foam, thread 34" X 24" X 2"
This is a fascinating piece that will draw you in closer. Lush velvet has been manipulated using a sewing machine and the technique of free motion embroidery. The way I have used the stitch emulates free hand smocking and tucking and creates so much dimension! Using a laser engraver, I cut gorgeous designs into heavy white foam I pulled out of a trash can and shaped into leaves that hang from the piece.
Leisa Rich
Unhooked, 2024
Recycled, repurposed rug hooking kits, fabric, vinyl, lucite dome, tulle 22" X 22" X 10"
Often, I will stumble upon materials that are intriguing. I imagine them in a different form from what they were intended and made for. Sometimes, I sit on those materials for weeks, months, even years. Recently, I started looking at rug hooking kits... many of which are such cheesy designs and meant as a craft! I wanted to elevate the lowly rug hooking kit and have been experimenting with changing the yarn's purpose and form. This pice has the bundles of yarn trapped in rainbow tulle, then I stitched them all together into a unit that is very organic. I trapped the sculpture under a lucite dome and framed the entirety with the rug hooking base as the feature!
Leisa Rich
Warped and Weft, 2024
Recycled, repurposed rug hooking kits, fabric, mixed media 19" X 16" X 5"
I have been working on a new body of work made with repurposed rug hooking kits. I like to challenge myself with new materials and techniques! This unique sculptural piece is made of a repurposed rug hooking kit and fabric. The hooking grid has been superimposed over a fabric base. That same fabric has been wrapped and stretched around styrofoam balls to create dimensional clusters. Sections of the rug hooking yarn have been added and manipulated so they cluster and hang.
Leisa Rich
Choked, 2024
Vintage, recycled heirloom hand woven linen, vintage found object, wood 18" X 24" X 16"
Leisa Rich
Fractured Forest, 2024
Repurposed and recycled fabrics and clothing, thread, dyes 36" X 48" X 2"
Leisa Rich
Ravanahatha, 2024
Vintage recycled homespun and handwoven linen, wood, vintage instrument 46" X 16" X 14"
One day, in an antique store, I found this amazing vintage instrument that actually played. As soon as I saw it, I knew I had to make a sculpture from it! I also discovered some handwoven, heritage, vintage linen fabric, and purchased that. It all came together in this amazing sculpture that plays! I also added natural, repellant wood pieces that I designed and cut on my Glowforge laser cutter. I wanted to morph animal and instrument. This piece hangs by a single nail, as I installed a keyhole in the back of the top.
Leisa Rich
Remaining Behind After Humans Have Gone, 2024
Repurposed and recycled fabrics and clothing, thread, dyes 36" X 48" X 2"
Nature will subsume everything we leave behind, should we become extinct. In this gorgeous garden, nature has run amok, and tenacious grackles have taken over. They are hidden amongst the flowers and fauna, awaiting their next opportunity for adventure. I have layered silks and cottons, new and recycled fabrics, and free motion embroidered over the surface, creating depth and texture. The grackles are done by free motion embroidery - "painting with thread" - using a common sewing machine. They sit slightly off the canvas, and create a stunning, intriguing embellishment. Viewers will come closer and they will reveal themselves! I also hand painted, using dyes, to increase the depth and color.
Leisa Rich
The Last Remaining Human, 2024
Repurposed/recycled vintage textiles and needlepoint, dye, thread, thrifted clothing, mixed media 56" X 86" X 1"
The narrative quality of this artwork is grounded in the relationship between natural elements and the human figure, inviting reflection on themes such as climate change, global warming, and the potential extinction of humanity. The storyline questions and highlights the symbiosis and subjugation of animals by humans amidst environmental strife. Unique to its creation, this artwork incorporates vintage textiles and employs free-motion embroidery. These techniques, alongside the manipulation of vintage fabrics and hidden elements, contribute to the rich textural and historical layers, making "The Last Remaining Human" a compelling and thought-provoking piece, with an enchanting and serene quality, drawing viewers into an imagined story that unfolds within this verdant paradise. The composition is further accentuated by an ornate border, exquisitely adorned with an array of flowers and butterflies. This whimsical and decorative frame contrasts yet complements the central forest scene, enhancing the piece’s visual engagement and layered complexity. Hangs easily on a wall by rings on the back and pins provided.
Leisa Rich
Existential Dread: Trepidation About Mutualism, 2023
Vintage, reclaimed and new textiles; dyes, acrylic, ribbon, thread 82” X 88” X 3”
In this tableau, there are two groups of deer. One "belongs" and one perceives "other" as not belonging. In this way, they represent humans, each species having a specific role to play in deciding fate: acceptance ie mutualism, or rejection ie cessation of existence. We all work together and uphold each other, or we die.
