Ella Leach is an artist born and raised in Athens, Georgia, and is set to graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Studio Art from Georgia College & State University. Focused primarily on painting, Ella also works with printmaking and photography, often experimenting with different techniques to bring her ideas to life. Her artistic practice revolves around a deep appreciation for color, texture, and composition, with each piece offering a personal yet universal exploration of expression. Ella is excited to continue growing as an artist, eager to take her work beyond the classroom and into new creative challenges and opportunities.
Project Statement
My capstone project explores the intersections of grief and memory through a series of six paintings, each measuring 22” x 28”. Rooted in the profound loss of my best friend and fellow artist in 2020, this body of work serves as both a tribute to our shared artistic journey and a personal exploration of how memories can shape our experience of grief. Each piece captures the fleeting and intangible nature of memory, using vibrant colors, textures, and florals to evoke the complex emotions tied to loss. Through expressive brushwork and dynamic compositions, I invite viewers to contemplate the delicate balance between beauty and sorrow, considering how memory of grief can serve as both a source of solace and a metaphor for healing. I created art that honors a cherished connection while encouraging personal reflection and a deeper engagement with the world around us.
Artist Statement
My work is a vibrant exploration of emotion, memory, and the human experience. As a painter, I draw on a range of subjects that resonate with me deeply- portraits, landscapes, and abstract forms- to evoke a sense of connection and contemplation. I am fascinated by the ways texture and color can amplify emotion, transforming each canvas into an immersive experience where viewers are invited to feel, not just see. I approach each piece as a journey, layering colors and textures that reflect the complexity of feelings and moments that inspire me. I create art that connects, resonates, and invites others to see the beauty in both the familiar and the unexpected. Art has always been a way for me to communicate beyond words, and through this body of work, I hope to create a space for reflection, empathy, and a renewed appreciation for the beauty and complexity of life.