About Me
Lailey Newton is a painter who works by making compositions digitally through photo editing and 3D sculpting software which are then painted using acrylics. She considers themes of built environments, re-creations of space, and architecture's influence on the body and psyche. She was born and raised in rural mid-Alberta. She has recently graduated with her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree with a major in Painting at the Alberta University of the Arts. Currently, she is a member of an artist collective that has opened an independent gallery, Crawlspace Gallery, featuring emerging artists in Calgary Alberta
Artist Statement
My practice centers around exploring the absurd relationship between illogical architecture and digital realities as a method of understanding the disordered spaces we exist within. I examine the connection between the aesthetics of archaic 3D digital graphics and the anxious nature of Junkspace in Western architecture. At its core, architecture is a collection of objects that carve into space in an attempt to explain it. Junkspace is the built environment of the last 50 years. It is the result of cut costs, standardization, and tight deadlines. This architecture is hidden behind ceiling tiles, trim, coats of paint, and laminate flooring. Junkspace results in the controlling of space which is both physical and psychological; However because it is so silently present and fluid it escapes cognizance. Within my practice, I turn the attention of the audience towards this blind spot and consider these mundane spaces. I paint and re-configure the overlooked and incidental so that these spaces can be understood. I focus on this because there is much of the pictorial structure that goes unrecognized and requires awareness. Then it can be perceived more holistically for all its edges, nooks, textures, and shadows. There is power in understanding the effects of Junkspace architecture. I use some elements of simplification alongside repetition to better understand the physical aspects of Junkspace. Compositionally, these spaces are contextless and float within voids. They can be considered by themselves without distraction. The sparsely decorated surfaces, sleek finishes, and monochromatic color palette can be highlighted and reiterated. This is how I make clear the unease and anxiety of this architecture. My work is about giving the audience the capacity to understand that they have been robbed of a more authentic encounter with their everyday spaces.
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