Lori Earley

"My oil paintings are a combination of classical realistic rendering with a personal element of distortion. This distortion comes from my innate desire to transform my emotions into tangible planes that express what I feel, not what I see. Painting has always been a means of self-expression for me. Therefore, I paint because I have to and need to, not necessarily because I want to. Subconsciously or not, the figures I paint are a reflection of myself and whatever mood I am in at the time, so every painting is in essence a self-portrait. Each mood is distinct, ranging from subliminal, cryptic expressions to more cognitive states of being and the eyes of my subjects are often the primary focus of expression. My work is a fusion of personal experiences and influences- moody atmospheres, victorian-inspired couture, and timeless elements all laced with clandestine symbolism. The figures I paint exist in their own esoteric realm and time, and each painting offers a glimpse into their anomalous world."

Lori Earley is one of 50 contemporary artists featured in Metamorphosis 2 (beinArt Publishing).