Photo courtesy of Li Newton.
Asheville-based artist Li Newton uses an array of found paper collected from old books and magazines to create rich, textured pieces that beg to tell a story.
“There is an intimacy to tearing out paper and watching a portrait or scene come to life as I build up layers. I feel closer to what I am trying to convey than ever before,” she states in her artist bio.
Her latest collage, featuring thousands of individually hand-cut pieces, testifies to her dedication to sifting meticulously through forgotten pages for the color, shape, or texture she needs to bring her vision to life.
Although mixed media collage is her primary focus, Li has explored many mediums, including pastels, silk painting, acrylics, oils, and more, dubbing herself a “Jill-of-all-Trades.”
Li is represented by Modern Wave Gallery in Asheville and Trackside 375 Gallery in Weaverville.