cj lester artist bio

For as long as I can remember, I have rearranged and manipulated found objects. I began
studying art in 1977, and quit to “do something more lucrative”. I returned to studying art in
1990 after leaving the corporate world in search of a more meaningful way of life. After a
brief hiatus to live in Sweden, I returned again to studying art. In 1999, I completed my B.F.A.
in sculpture. I had little space to make (and store) sculpture, so I began to explore other media
for creative expression. I flailed like a fish out of water until I was introduced to a tactile and
physical engagement with two-dimensional surfaces. Since then, I have been working on
masonite, canvas and paper using hands-on processes.

As of this moment, I am painting with oils on canvas.

My current work focuses on saturated colors as well as a broad palette of values
to visually portray depth and volume. The ocean has always been
a place of personal solace, tranquility, reflection and regeneration for me.
I’ve found solitude by painting simple compositions that center around water.
Zaftig sirens have once again beckoned me back to paint the
curves, histories and thoughts of feminine abstracts
by way of vibrant colors, varied layers and subliminal text.

As long as oceans and lakes soothe my soul,
as long as the beauty of zaftig women enriches my spirit,
I will honor them in paintings.

(Due to the fluid nature of creative muses, this is all subject to change.)