Artist Statement
Eleanor Boyden’s practice is an expressive meditative response on the world and humanity found within it. Like the many layers of our humanness, Eleanor creates layers mirroring our individual state of life, both higher states alongside those that we seek to rise above. Within Eleanor’s work you can see some states represented are thin and bright while others are thick and bold. She finds her process very intuitive, and is attracted to bright glorious neon colours, juxtaposing these on top of the soft staining of unprimed canvas. The method of staining allows for the colour to absorb deep into the weave, and provides a surface on which to build these countless layers. While watching people engage with her work, Eleanor is always struck by how they are moved physically. They turn their heads and arch their bodies to find the best entry point, sometimes walking so close to the canvas, their nose is a mere inch or two away, allowing themselves to be physically surrounded by my marks and colours. While other times they stand far back, taking in the entirety of the canvas. Through her artistic practice Eleanor continues to seek, question, ponder, and explore the mystery of the world around her, and hopes to share just a bit of the wonderment and joy with the viewer.
Artist Bio
Eleanor Boyden is a Canadian artist, born in Alberta where the wide open prairie skies ignited her artistic practice. She has continued a visual arts practice for over 40 years, working in a vast number of mediums and teaching workshops and classes to young and old alike. Residing in Calgary, AB, Eleanor completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts with Distinction in Painting from the Alberta College of Art and Design in 2017.