Lis Pardoe
Driven by psychological reflection yet rooted in traditional drawing, my paintings document the examination of my experience. For much of my career, the common theme of my work has been "the present moment," portraying calming and literal scenes in oil paint. Being able to step into an alternative yet concrete reality is the main reason I paint representationally. I like cutting out the guesswork, leaving only curiosity about a scene. However, between 2020 and 2023, a series of experiences made me think about how sometimes we can't be present, and that presence can feel, ironically, dissociative when experiencing grief. Subsequently, in 2023, I realized my paintings didn't fully encompass my being and that, perhaps, they border along escapism due to my regular chance with anxiety. Thus, I started creating work that holds space for me as I am.
My paintings explore the line between grief and pleasure. While I've always been motivated by that duality, my recent work targets that in-between space by referencing my dreams, memories, meditations, and experiences too tender to let slip by. For that reason, I work with several mediums, all chosen for their capacity to layer. The most common is oil paint for its color range, depth, and texture. I love its ability to capture light, which is critical to my process. I also work in pastel and charcoal. Charcoal is my ground - my most foundational medium, while pastel is the perfect middle.
Whether depicting my childhood memorabilia or floating in yesterday's ocean, my paintings reflect my inner world and daily life.
Address: 2006 NE Broadway St, Portland, OR, 97232
Drawing|Painting|Pastel
Community: NE Portland
Studio Number: 33
Email: studio@lispardoe.com
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