Artist Statement
My work is inspired by the flora and fauna around me. Through painting and drawing, as well as clay, I try to emulate the intricacies and delicacies of the natural world. My pieces evoke a sense of reverence for the beauty and complexity of nature. I do this through my use of vibrant colors and differing textures with motifs of idealized environments within our world. This can range from tropics to woodland like atmospheres, allowing the viewers to be able to connect to a rich diversity of nature and contemplate our place within it. My work brings attention to the smaller details of the natural world, reminding us of our interconnectedness with the flora and fauna that is often overlooked.
To bring these intricacies of nature into a contemporary light, I intentionally pull pieces from cultural relations, experiences, and stories that have personally inspired me into my work. Using the combination of oil and acrylic, my paintings experience highly saturated and rich colors, while my ceramics are softer. This is to emphasize the human experiences pertaining to nature, along with the depictions of flora and fauna motifs. Whether my work is sculpted, carved, painted or drawn, I strive to share my appreciation for the natural world.
Artist Bio
Philadelphia native, Lys Bryan is currently studying Studio Fine Arts at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. During her studies she concentrates in painting and drawing, as well as ceramics. Within the painting and drawing field of study, Lys focuses on oil paint, color pencils, and pastel mediums. In ceramics, she focuses on hand-building with either low fire underglazes or cold finishes (such as acrylic or oil paint).
While at Appalachian State University, Lys participated in The Shaped Painting Exhibition held in the Art Administrative Wing at East Hall (2023). She also worked at the Watauga Arts Council as an Administrative Assistant Intern (2023), and the Turchin Center of Visual Art as a Gallery Ambassador (2021-2022). Lys worked as an apprentice to Paul Mantell, a prop maker, learning vital skills such as welding, woodwork, and use of resin (2021-2022). Previous exhibitions include the Repenning Fine Arts Spring Shows where she received her early education in painting and drawing (2013-2019), an exhibition benefitting the Almost Home Animal Shelter in 2014, and the Audubon Jr/Sr. High School student shows (2016-2017).
