Artist Statement
Eleanor Boyden’s practice is an expressive meditative response on the world and humanity found within it. Like the many layers of humanness, Eleanor creates layers mirroring individual states of life, both higher states alongside those that we seek to rise above. Her process is very intuitive, and she is attracted to glorious neon colours, juxtaposing them against 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 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 their nose is a mere inch or two away, 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 P. Boyden (she/her), a Canadian artist born in Alberta, where the wide open prairie skies ignited her artistic energy, has continued a visual arts practice for over 40 years. As she works across numerous mediums including paint, print, fibre, photography, and sculpture, Eleanor develops expressive, meditative responses to the world and our humanity found within. Through the use of a diverse range of colours, abstracted patterns, and multiple layers of paint, Eleanor explores narratives of history, place, and our relationship with time.
Currently residing in Calgary, AB, Eleanor completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting with Distinction from AUArts (formerly ACAD) in 2017. The value of Eleanor’s research and contribution of her artwork has been recognised through multiple awards and residencies. By engaging in her artistic practice, Eleanor continues to seek, question, ponder, and explore the mystery of the world around her, in the hopes of sharing a bit of wonderment and joy with the viewer.