The creation of this series was an act of self-compassion. I painted bold, joyous landscapes as a way to brighten my spirit within. In doing so, I was reminded of the abundance that exists in spite our struggles. As the series progressed, the colors in my environment faded with the passing seasons. My spirit would have been challenged even more by this inevitable change had it not been for the resilience I was slowly building. This strength was fueled by the brightly painted landscapes slowly filling my studio; a menagerie of hope. It was fortified by the connections I was continuously building, bound by mutual trust, support and love. Instead of feeling depleted and hopeless, I was fortified by the abundance that surrounded me. My menagerie became a reality.

Abundance is synonymous with gratitude. It is the light to our darkness, and the fullness to our scarcity. Yet it is always present, even when we feel trapped in the latter. I am so grateful for the people in my life who have taught me this. They continually share their light, either knowingly or passively. Even when they're struggling, resilience fuels their abundant spirit. Because they shared their light, I was reminded that it also lives inside of me. It was the catalyst I needed to paint the abundance I would have otherwise overlooked. Forests at the water’s edge became gilded with hope. I noticed the sunlit warmth peeking through a mossy, verdant landscape on my favorite trail. I witnessed the mountains in the Cañon begging for attention by illuminating themselves over and over again. These everyday reminders of abundance are always present. An open heart makes them evident.

“What blooms from beautiful seeds of thought becomes a symphony of colorful abundance.” Jazz Feylynn4

Using bold color, energetic brushstrokes and palette knife, Lelia Davis paints the magnificent landscapes of Colorado and beyond. Combining art with her background in wellness, biology and interest in environmental conservation, the focus of her work is to depict endangered land and its fragility. Lelia strives to bring awareness by capturing the waterways essential to each habitat on a micro and macroscopic level. Her depiction of these more intimate, easily missed areas is a metaphor for how their importance can so easily be taken for granted.

Lelia graduated with a degree in biology and nursing from Trinity University and the University of Texas, respectively. She studied art throughout, and later earned her Master of Fine Arts degree from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. As a mental health nurse and community advocate, Lelia feels strongly about the importance of exercising our creativity. By nurturing our mind and spirit in this way, we open a channel to connect with others while simultaneously adding beauty to the world.