April Lewis 

The ideas behind a large number of these pieces stem from my ongoing research and excitement about the patterns of nature. For example, the tendencies of space are not chaotic, there is an underlying order that influences everything. From the surface it might all seem a mystery how anything in outer space or even here on Earth functions or grows, but there is always a pattern- there is always an order- an explanation for everything. This has been most recently reiterated to me from my intense interest and research of fractals- or the rules in which nature grows. 

The battle between order and chaos is what I most enjoy making artwork about. One of my favorite ways to represent order and chaos is by creating original color palettes to use color as metaphor. This can be seen in the floral fabric collages where I use the same color palette rules for each piece. Another way to portray order and chaos is by using compositional rules, such as in my large drawing, Order. At first glance the drawing looks disorderly with random colors and shapes, but upon closer inspection the viewer will notice patterns and rhythms that balance and bring order to the chaotic scene. 

I often choose the human figure to represent the “chaos” of nature because of our compositional make up. Humans’ physical relationship with the earth and stars is incredibly powerful to me. This works in with my spirituality, which I mull over in my mind every day.