Artist Series - Laree Evelyn

Alvies x Laree Evelyn

Rooted in timeless style and expression, Laree is known for her bold paintings and prints that are inspired by dreams, ancient art, and feelings. We love the juxtaposition of her strong colors, and straight lines, against the classic curves of The Rainey. But whatever reason you love ‘em is okay with us. Here is what Laree had to say about her inspiration:

“At the beginning of the pandemic, in the stillness and isolation, everything I had been running from caught up with me. All of the memories and emotions I had carefully avoided showed up all at once. Overwhelmed, I started painting giant shapes. Moving the shapes around until there was calmness. Placing them in benign order, letting that place inside me that had no words speak to my eyes in our own brutal and bright language. That language told stories, stories of life, death, and rebirth. Stories of healing.

My ancestors are indigenous to California and Mexico. Growing up my family would tell complex stories about the land and their ties to it. There was pain and loss when talking about how it had been taken. But there was love and pride when they showed me how to work with the clay to bring seeds to life and how to trust in the cycles of the land. I heard these stories, and they moved me. They grew with me. As I started painting, themes of the cycles of nature started to come through. Stories of death and rebirth, winter and spring, cold earth and harvest. In many of these paintings, I would start to notice patterns emerge similar to the blankets, beadwork, and pottery of my ancestors. I cherish these patterns, and today I share them with you.”

Laree Evelyn, Austin, TX