Exhibit of the art work of Paul Lewsey - December 2010

Paul Lewsey, a native of England, studied graphic design in London in the early 1970s.  Shortly after moving to the United States in 1987, he attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota and earned a BA in Art Education and Physical Education.  A lifelong interest in natural history has influenced his artwork, particularly in the watercolor medium.  His current work is a reflection of this love of nature and a fascination in the decorative arts.

Many cultures transform practical, everyday objects into works of art by means of creative adornment.  Adapting a two dimensional image to a three dimensional surface is a challenge that adds a new level of problem solving to the artistic process.  Lewsey’s “Nature Boxes” are functional pieces decorated with images of plants, birds, and butterflies in an illustrative style.  Using acrylic paint in a variety of watercolor techniques, he seeks to recreate the look of botanical and field guide illustrations that portray the subjects in a realistic yet aesthetically pleasing manner.  The aim is to produce an object that is not only useful, but also informative and decorative.