Unfurling Poetry Book Release !

Unfurling is the third anthology in a collection of my poetry and art. This new book contains over two years of my selected written works exploring personal history, a troubled cultural present, and vast inner landscapes brought into focus during a global pandemic. The pages of Unfurling pair my  prose with glimpses of my minimalist visual artworks, shaping a cerebral and palpably relatable reflection of a creative life unfolding.
“I was not calibrated for the Covid Pandemic in 2020. It did unfurl a childhood time of polio anxiety but I did not learn that navigation, if there was one besides fear and hope. During the ensuing 3 years I’ve experienced isolation and the ‘tip toeing out’ that has evoked both past memories and present reflections in no particular order. These writings are the harvest of a back-of-the-stove soup with things added as conjured revealing my internal landscape.”

“…Thank you for this lovely read and reflection. I love the work and your deep witnessing. The visuals are as nourishing as the writing….” Hakim Bellamy,Inaugural Poet Laureate of Albuquerque, New Mexico (2012-2014)




This latest collection of poems is the result of my time as a 2022 writer in residence at the Fairhope Center for Writing Arts in Fairhope, Alabama. During my month long tenure on the Alabama Gulf coast, I was able to distill down from numerous poems and writings, with the help of the quiet and the water.


The Albuquerque (NM) Museum is exhibiting a wonderful show of Georgia O’Keefe’s and Henry Moore’s art and how the work resonates together.  I’m excited to share with you that three of Moore’s sculptures are in the lobby keeping my sculptural painting, The Silent Road, company. This is very cool! My painting, hanging 17’, will be up through December and represents my work as Visiting Artist to the museum.

Santa Fe Studio


After my recent move from ABQ to Santa Fe NM, I have finally begun to get settled into my new studio! Located just outside of old downtown Santa Fe, my stand alone studio is in a cute cozy historic 100 year old building. After much renovation, construction and re-organizing, I am finally able to start making work in a purpose oriented zen space.
The studio is close to home and Im looking forward to sharing it with visitors soon. For now here’s a peek behind the curtain…
  

The Forever Home of The Silent Road


The Albuquerque Museum has added my sculptural paintings, The Silent Road (17’ x 34” x 36” graphite, Tyvek™ ), Land Lines (43 x 34 x 5”  graphite, birch wood) to their permanent collection along with the grouping of 4 paintings entitled, Breathless.

 

 

I am grateful to have this work at the Albuquerque Museum as I leave the city and it’s environs that had been my home for 30+ years.

It is especially gratifying to have The Silent Road and Land Lines installed in the Museum’s Lobby from December ’22 through December ’23.

The following you will read the narration plaque that is displayed with the work and see several photos by Stefan Jennings Batista of the installation. I hope some of you are able to see this work in it’s new home.

The soaring height of 17’ Silent Road I think will thrill you—let me know!

Marietta Patricia Leis
born New Jersey, lives Santa Fe, New Mexico
The Silent Road
2019
Tyvek™ , graphite ground acrylic, wood rod
gift of the artist

The Silent Road is a dialogue between painting and sculpture. It represents a road that leads in two directions, reaching upward toward the ceiling and winding down to the floor. The Silent Road was inspired by Marietta Leis’s time in Iceland during the dark months of the long winter. According to the artist, “The treeless, volcanic landscape revealed the earth’s curved horizon, confronting me with a stark image of all that is infinite—both visually and metaphorically. My acute sense of this fascinating and haunting place provided fertile ground for germination of The Silent Road.”

The Silent Road was made with graphite painted on Tyvek ™ (a paper-like plastic sheeting used to insulate houses). Leis hand burnished the graphite to achieve a luster that creates a shimmering darkness inspired by Iceland’s volcanic rock.

Leis traced every inch of the surface of the work marking a path and leaving a record of the artist’s journey for others to follow. The Silent Road’s surface texture offers hidden complexities for the viewer to grapple with and it also invites the viewer to simply travel The Road in silent contemplation.

According to Leis, “In today’s noisy world it is easy to become distracted, numb to our deepest natures. The road to authenticity is by its very nature traveled in solitude. It is an internal road that, with patience, can lead deep into the core of our being. As we each embark on the journey to this rich and fertile place, we can discover a common thread of the shared humanity that binds us.”

Marietta Patricia Leis is an internationally exhibiting multimedia artist and poet. She has lived and worked in New York City as well as Los Angeles, and is currently based in Santa Fe after living in Albuquerque for many years. Leis’ reductive, expressive works are shaped out of experiments in material process and she takes inspiration from forms found in nature, a sense of place, and the internal landscape.

 

Marietta Leis
born New Jersey, lives Santa Fe, New Mexico
Land Lines
2019
graphite acrylic/wood
gift of the artist

 

Writer in Residence

A month in the charming Fairhope, Alabama as a Writer-in-Residence sponsored by the Fairhope Center for the Writing Arts importantly gave me time to write and also an opportunity to experience the Deep South. I am grateful for both as our ongoing downsizing move to an apartment and office in Santa Fe has stretch us and we needed a break and time to work.

 

The scenic setting of Fairhope on Mobile Bay hydrated my desert soul and provided many glorious sunsets as well as magnificent cloud formations. The downtown Pier that I frequented on my walks draws people for exercise and fishing. Very serious fishermen staking out their territory for several hours with chairs, radios, food and several fishing poles.

 

As a tree lover I was treated with glorious Magnolia and abundant Live Oak trees always ready to amaze me with their large branches bowing low over the streets and lawns and the big old gnarled trunks of sculptural beauty.

The Center provided me and my husband with the quaint Wolff Cottage downtown and the library was conveniently right behind the cottage. Books of other authors who had been Residents graced the bookshelves that lined the living room walls. My sweet writing office had abundant natural light and an inviting vibe and my hours spent there writing, editing and formatting my new poetry book-to-be were hours of peace and grace.
Being downtown we could easily walk to meet any of our needs and find lots of local entertainment. Good food was at the restaurants and coffee shops. Oysters and fresh fish were luckily in abundance. I found a used clothing store where I bought a sweater as the temperatures dropped our second week there. The bookstores are a necessity in this literary town and there was one bookstore that satisfied my Xmas gift buying needs!

So let me back up and tell you a little history of this unique town; a group of reformers from the Northeast US established an experimental utopian community in Fairhope in 1894.They hoped that the town had a ‘fair hope’ of succeeding. It was developed as a ‘single tax’ colony that owned the land and homeowners paid an annual tax that provided the public amenities. These ideals attracted artists, writers and intellectuals. Among the unique things about Fairhope is the establishment of the progressive School of Organic Education by the educator, Marietta Johnson that still exists!  And, luckily we were there for the weekend of the film festival and were able to indulge in our favorite pastime.
The people who are involved with the Center were all gracious and supportive of my work and respectful of my time but we gladly accepted their invitations to enjoy the art openings and incredible dinner treats. We found the entire town to exude Southern charm with eye contact and friendly greetings as we passed in the streets.Fortunately, I was asked to attend the book club that sponsored my Residency and it was so heartwarming to experience this wonderful group of accomplished and curious women who welcomed my work into their hearts. What I loved was bearing witness to the relationships that these women had woven with one another over the years and over many books and discussions.

I was also asked to do a public event at the library where I was able to talk about my work and read my poetry. What I noted was that I allowed myself to be more spontaneous and vulnerable both talking about my life and work but also in the poetry I had been writing in Fairhope. Maybe it was the accepting and supportive environment, maybe it was my age and maturity but I take pride in knowing that I still had the ability to grow and dare!

So in Fairhope I wrote, edited and laid out a new book of 50+ poems. Now back in New Mexico I will integrate some of my art to play off the words. In time this book will be published and I hope that you will let me know your reflections. Words and art are communication — maybe written or painted in solitude but always meant to be received by the viewer or reader. I look forward to the dialogue.

 

 

Changing Venues

Yes, I am in the process of downsizing and moving and what a move it is. My husband David and I have been talking throughout the pandemic about what energy it takes to maintain our property which is a compound of studio and house in the heart of Albuquerque, New Mexico, US. Even with zero landscape and minimalist sensibility we felt that it took too much time away from our pursuits—my art and David’s community work.

So we have looked about for the ‘next place’ that would require less time and effort—we covered 3 states and came back to our own New Mexico. In 2021 we found that a new apartment was being built in downtown Santa Fe and we decided that would require our downsizing and give us the urban experience we enjoy.

We spent a lot of time looking for my studio and an office rental and finally found accommodations across the street from the apartment. So the transition has begun. After unloading a lot of ‘stuff’ we moved into the apartment July 2, and the studio and offices will follow.

But as my recent newsletter can attest the move, though slowing me down a bit and requiring time, has not diverted my art endeavors. I enjoyed participating in the Portugal group exhibition “earth@Faro” curated by Paulo Duarte Filipe. We spent part of a morning ‘messaging’ one another to get my “Boundless” pieces hung. My regret was not going to Faro as seeing pictures of some of the artists frolicking on the beach made me very envious. It’s always an adventure and a pleasure to exhibit internationally. And there will be more exhibits in Portugal to report.

The group exhibition, “Arctic Summer” at The Curated creative in Albuquerque was beautifully curated by the Director, Brianne Clarkson. The events— an opening, an artist talk and a cocktail/poetry reading (by me) were an exceptional way to celebrate art and community.

My wonderful assistant, Stefan Jennings Batista ‑a talented artist/photographer/educator, is the curator, of my solo exhibition at the Taos Art Museum at Fechin House.  He tackled this task with much enthusiasm and we look forward to exhibiting in the Museum’s gallery space located in the former Fechin studio.

For this exhibit Batista selected the theme of WOODmetal because that aligned with Fechin’s own sensibility. and practice while he lived and worked in Taos. The exhibit will show my art made of or influenced by wood and reflected surfaces of metal. It opens September 9 with my reading poetry and will close October 16. Fechin’s house and grounds which have been restored are worth the trip to Taos!
You will hear from me next this winter as a Writing Artist in Residence in Fairhope, Alabama. I’m quite excited, stay tuned…

 

2022 New Year Updates

Sense Memories – solo exhibition at CCA Santa FE

Join us for a guided tour of Sense Memories
Click HERE or on the image below to learn more and get tickets!


Peruse the images here of Sense Memories curated with the intention of creating peaceful spaces for people to pause, relax and contemplate positive feelings through their sense memories. You are encouraged to move slowly and still frequently to have dialogue with the reductive art.

Upcoming Solo Exhibition & Other Shows


Opening Reception  Friday, December 3 | 5-7pm
Exhibiting  December 3 2021 – February 27 2022
Poetry Reading
Saturday December 4 | 6-7pm
Curated by Laura Carpenter

I am happy to announce my upcoming solo exhibition Sense Memories at the CCA Santa Fe. Please come join us for the opening on Friday December 3, from 5-7pm. Curated by Laura Carpenter, Sense Memories will present a variety of my works across mediums in their beautiful Tank Garage Gallery. I will also be presenting in a group poetry reading the following Saturday. Hope to see ya there.
Click Here to read more.


My new book of poetry Engrained: Reflections on Trees in Poetry & Art is now available. This beautiful little softcover presents contemplative personal writing on trees, the environment and is accompanied my unique views of my artwork. Pick up a copy here.


I am featured in the group exhibition Structured Surfaces at the Curated Creative ABQ curated by Brianne Clarkson featuring 5 local artists.

Marietta in Lifetime Artist Exhibition

Marietta Patricia Leis participating in:
Lifetime Artists: Michael Warren Contemporary
McNichols Civic Center Building, Third floor, Denver
October 16 – December 19, 2021

 

Some artists are ephemeral, moving fleetingly in and out of the public eye. Others hold fast to their discipline, and move through the decades with a stalwart dedication to their evolving work.

“Lifetime Artists: Michael Warren Contemporary” salutes these artists of longevity, highlighting those who are at least 70 years old and have been practicing their artistic craft for a least 45 years. This exhibit features the mature work of twelve artists from the Michael Warren Contemporary Gallery, and is guest curated by gallery owner, Mike McClung with Featured Artists:

Natalie Alper, Rita Blitt, Eva Bovenzi, John Garrett, Jody Guralnick, Pamela Joseph, Marietta Patricia Leis, Robert Mangold, Lorelei Schott, Brian Shields, Allison Stewart, Floyd Tunson

Related events:
Opening Reception – Oct. 15, 5 p.m.
Virtual Tour/Discussion with Mike McClung – Nov. 11, 11 a.m.

To learn more click HERE

Reveal, by Leis, Installation of oil on unique shaped wood formats, painted on both sides

 

Breath Taking Exhibition Write Up


https://nmartmuseum.org/education/cypher-space/2021/06/02/breath-taking/

 

BREATH TAKING

by Sharon McCawley Curatorial Docent:

           

Currently on view at the New Mexico Museum of Art, from March 13 through September 5, 2021, is the exhibit BREATH TAKING  in which various, contemporary artists present their interpretations of the physical and symbolic act of breathing. The materials  and methods  include clay, paper, ink,  earth, video, photographs, water color. The exhibit, organized by Katherine Ware the Curator of Photography, and designed by Matt Celeskey and Monica Meehan, has been planned for  several years, before our critical focus on the automatic act of breathing arose. Original supplemental activities involving yoga exercises and breath control exercises for singing or playing an instrumental had to be removed. Instead thought exercises on birth, death, the environment, George Floyd, and Covid demand our attention.

Here are some thematic interpretations visible in the exhibit. Linda Alterwitz  Just Breathe 2013-2015 asked subjects to lie down with a camera placed on their chests. Ms. Alterwitz photographed thirty second exposures of these individuals’ breaths. Looking at these images reinforces the similarity between the cosmos and the human body; this interconnection is referenced throughout the exhibit. Stuart Allen Soap Bubbles, Bubble No.12, Bubble No.10, 2015 has created videos and photographic prints of soap bubbles which contain the volume of human breath. The bubbles like clouds float and radiate color. The evanescence of a bubble puts into perspective the span of an individual human life in the universe. Alison Keogh Sumi-Scapes 2009 uses ink and brush to record the patterns of her own breathing. She also creates ceramic spheres Black and White Spheres, 2015 which contain the volume of a human breath. These orbs can refer to individual molecules in our bodies; the materials of earth and clay again connect the individual to the entire world.  Marietta Patricia Leis Breath 1, Breath 2, 2019 presents us with ink patterns printed on silk panels. The fabric is so light that it moves in response to the air circulating around it. You can stand and try to match the movements of your own breath to the movements of the fabrics creating a relaxing and harmonious emotion. The colors seem to range from celestial to fatal, pastels which evoke the dawn and grey which evokes a shroud or a winding sheet; it could be the span of a human life. Meridel Rubenstein Respiration (New Mexico), 2009-2011 clearly presents the symbiosis between people and the environment. Her photograph displays the actual transfer of oxygen and carbon necessary for the continued existence of our planet.

 

Dating back to the Renaissance is the concept of correspondence, the relationship between the microcosm of the individual human being to the macrocosm of the universe. John Donne wrote “I am a little world cunningly made.” There is a connection between our movements of breathing in and out and the movements of air in the world which cause wind, hurricanes, rain, drought. The literary conceit of “pathetic fallacy” maintains this inner and outer correspondence, our sighs are winds, our tears are rain, our rants are storms. In our age, this is more than symbolism. It is apparent that actions of humans deeply affect our environment just as strongly as the forces of the environment affect humans.

The symbolism of air and breath are universal leitmotifs evident in many cultures. Realize that breath communicates and it infects. It carries music and it carries death throughout the world. Ancient Egyptians believed that Shu, the God of Air, connects earth and heaven.  Air literally carries our prayers up to Heaven. The Chinese believe in Tao, the breath that never dies, and is the Mother to all creation. The Inuits literally define Death as losing your breath.

The Sanskrits write in their sacred text UPANISHADS “Just as spokes are held together in a wheel-hub, everything  is held together  in the breath.” This reminds us that the rhythm of breathing matches the rhythm of the universe.

 

There are many allusions, both literal and numinous, to  this rhythm  in the works you will see and experience.

“ I Can’t Breathe” the final plea of George Floyd lasted for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. Think about what you can accomplish within that length of time if you are cooking, drawing, knitting, reading, dancing, composing, playing a musical instrument or singing. For a quick reference, note that the Star Spangled Banner  lasts for 3 minutes 30 seconds, Figaro, Figaro, Figaro lasts for 5 minutes 9 seconds, and Hey Jude lasts for 8 minutes and 9 seconds

We constantly  need breath to speak, so reflect upon the connotations of  these words and phrases that we use everyday:

 

taking a breather

getting some air

time to catch your breath

inspiration

expiration

inflation

deflation

breathe a sigh of relief

breathing down your neck

don’t breathe a word

mention in the same breath

 

.

Take a deep breath as you experience BREATH TAKING  at the New Mexico Museum of Art.

There is a saying in Neverland, that every time you breathe a grown-up dies.

– PETER PAN by J.M. Barrie

A Welcomed Spring

It is only the farmer who faithfully plants seeds in the Spring, who reaps a harvest in the Autumn.                                                                                                                                                                ~  B. C. Forbes

I hope this finds you well and cautiously optimistic and hopeful as we start looking at ‘live’ art again for inspiration

I’ve been making art throughout the pandemic but the work has had a mind of its own influenced by the virus, and I had to yield to its voice. Thus the diverse group of paintings I made in ’20-’21 is more about internal landscapes than the outside environment. But, since the human is comprised of the same elements as our planet we are intertwined and what affects us impacts everything and vise versa.

The Eclipse series of work I referenced in my previous News has made its debut in January at the Michael Warren Contemporary in Denver


Here is other new work:

REVEAL


This group of 16 paintings completed in 2020 called, Reveal (oil on unique wood forms) really led me a merry chase.

They demanded a variety of colors which led me veering from my original intentions by finding influence in the Covid-19 virus.


 

Reveal 

disclose, tell, let slip, let drop, give away,

blurt (out)

release, leak, make known,

make public, broadcast, publicize,

circulate, disseminate, let on, show, display, exhibit,

disclose, uncover, unveil, uncloak.

bring to light, uncover, lay bare,

excavate,

expose,

unearth


Other Side of Numbness

January of 2021 brought some positive changes to our forecasts and I found that I could relax a smidge and express some of my frustrations and thus feel more grounded in doing so. This inspired a group of 12+ paintings 3 of which are are large 60″ x 60″ canvases, I call Other Side of Numbness.

After so many restrictions and fears of Covid-19 something switched for me in these 2021 ink and gesso paintings. I threw off the chains of confinement and struck back. The transition was not planned–my mind did not control the hand. My heart knew I had to beat my fears into submission by letting the ink express the chaos and heaviness I felt. It was then that I started to settle and began to feel a new grounded-ness.These paintings reflect the internal landscape of the pandemic eon and also the ‘other side of numbness’.

 


Work on Paper

Some of my ‘work on paper’ that has been residing in my flat files, needed to escape its confinement–I think we can all relate to that! Now they have smart new white frames.

This work is ready for installations of groups or a single work strikingly holding its own!

Nightscapes – 5 framed works 
done in residency in Doi Saket, Northern Thailand observing unpolluted night skies (pen on paper).


 

Chimes – 15  and 3 larger pieces,
done in residency on a barrier island off the coast of South Carolina, US-with shimmering waters (watercolor on paper).


Mercurial – 5  framed pieces,
Done on Flores Island, Portugal during storms at sea that prevented
boats from coming into harbor. (Ink on paper)


Fluidity Focus  – 18 framed pieces,
Also done in residency on the Azores Island, Flores, Portugal while watching the fickle seas change hue frequently. (watercolor on paper)


May our lives continue to open and expand with caution and hope. And, may we carry forth the lessons we have learned during the pandemic trial.
– mpl