Biography
Cora Leonard is an illustrator and painter from Clinton, Iowa. Cora graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Art and Design with a concentration in painting at St. Ambrose University. She had been awarded an Art and Design scholarship and earned placement on the Dean’s List. Cora completed a body of work for a Senior Honors exhibition that were shown alongside other artists in the Catich Gallery at SAU. Her personal work explores the narrative of struggles with mental health, trauma, and healing. Cora plans to grow her independent Etsy business and pursue an MFA after graduating.
Statement
Stripping away the surface-level identity of a person reveals layers of vulnerability, suffering, and growth. As a part of my process, I use repetitive lines to create organic forms of the human figure to signify the ongoing cycles of individualistic hardships and healing. Inspired by the healing capabilities of nature, I introduce flowers to symbolize emotions. My combination of flowers, topography, and the human form is interwoven to illustrate a personal narrative of trauma, and its effects on mental health, behavior, and the relationship between mind and body.
The intentions behind my work are rooted in the meditative process of repetition and symbolism as a way to heal and transition into a calmer state of mind. While my work varies between mediums, each piece is influenced by recurring lines to build form while simultaneously introducing symbolism through nature elements. In the end, my work may portray certain narratives, but it is most importantly rooted in my process work.