Casey Droege Cultural Productions partnered with the Wilkinsburg Community Development Corportation (WCDC) for a series of exhibitions at the WCDC’s Lohr Gallery. These exhibitions are organized in collaboration with WCDC for their Art All Over program. Selected artists, with a connection to the borough of Wilkinsburgh, hold solo shows of their current work. In addition to the exhibits, each artist is able to host an artist talk, workshop, or reception to invite the public to engage more. The exhibits are always free and open to th public.
CDCP x WCDC Present: Lizzee Solomon
Artist Reception: Saturday, March 16th 12:00 pm-3:00pm
On view: March 16th - May 25th, 2024
Gallery hours: Saturdays 12-5pm
Join CDCP and WCDC for our third collaborative show of the season, featuring new work by artist Lizzee Solomon.
I make art that enlivens and captures the imagination. Using a unique blend of mixed media techniques, I create bold portraits of a wide range of subjects, both real and imagined. The vibrant color palette I use is inspired by my experience woodcarving in rural Oaxaca, Mexico. There, I learned how to transform copal tree chunks into alebrijes - brilliantly colored sculptures of wild creatures.
My studio practice is meticulous and tedious at times, fueled by my compulsion to complete visual puzzles, and the desire to work with my hands doing small tasks. I choose to work this way for its unexpected meditative qualities. I am entranced by every nuance of my subjects, creating shapes out of shadows, patterns out of pores, and exaggerating distinctive features.
Each work begins as a drawing, resembling a puzzle. After software processing, I use a CNC laser cutter to fabricate the components using colorful plastic, birch plywood, and adhesive vinyl. After assembling the parts, the whole semi-nightmarish portrait emerges with satisfying textures and juicy colors. Working this way allows me to create artwork for a wider range of collectors. I am a strong believer in art that is accessible, not out-of-reach.
About Lizzee:
Lizzee Solomon was born in New York, NY, and grew up in suburban Chicago, IL. She earned a BFA in Studio Art and Hispanic Studies at Carnegie Mellon University in 2011. Lizzee is based in Pittsburgh and participates in group and solo exhibitions as an artist and curator in the region. In addition to her studio practice, Lizzee is a commercial artist, working with businesses to elevate their products and brands using a combination of new and traditional techniques. Lizzee also has over fifteen years of professional teaching experience, having taught at the Carnegie Museum of Art, TechShop, and Pittsburgh Center for the Arts. She is currently an instructor and Board Member at Protohaven in Wilkinsburg.
WCDC's Lohr Gallery
725 Wood St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15221