How Have you Made your Mark? A study of hands by Lee Nabors

by the Carnegie Visual Arts Center

on display Nov. 19, 2013 - Jan. 11, 2014.

The solo show features 50 oil paintings of the hands of amazing individuals. Each person’s hands reflect the life, passions, and influence that have been accomplished by each person. These people represent hundreds of others who go above and beyond their profession and everyday life for the greater good. The subjects of this collection represent a cross-section of what it takes to be and build a community. Short written narratives of each person’s history and contributions to make this life a better place will accompany each hand portrait.

A native of Decatur, Alabama, Lee Crane Nabors began the pursuit of her passion for art as an adolescent. She began taking art lessons from accomplished local artist Jackie Goode. Lee graduated from Auburn University in 1984 and married William H. (Rip) Nabors in 1985. In 2000, after years of being a stay-at-home mother of two children, Lee rekindled her artistic passion. She enrolled in independent study art courses at Calhoun Community College and attended workshops by Paul Leveille at The Artist School in Scottsdale, Arizona, and Wilson Ong at Maine Art Workshop, Camden, Maine. Lee has also studied under accomplished artists including Sally Strand of Orange County, California and Michael Shane Neal of Nashville TN. In 2005 her professional focus became watercolor home portraits and pastel pet portraits. Always wanting to develop her skills, she then began creating still life and portrait works in pastel.

Lee is an active member of the Decatur Art Guild, Southeastern Pastel Society, Alabama Pastel Society- ME, Cecilia Beaux Forum and the Portrait Society of America. Resent competitions and accolades include First Place in the 2013 Montgomery Art Guild/Regions Bank Competition; Hoover Art Alliance Award at 2013 Alabama Pastel Society Member show; 2013 Richeson Art finalist, in the Still Life and Floral National competition and has earned Master Of Excellence from APS.

Artist Statement

 

“My hands have baked birthday cakes, cradled newborns, and are constantly doodling and creating. Hands are the literal and figurative extension of a person and his actions, and the inspiration for my newest series, Study of Hands. What began as a dream, while sitting at my kitchen table, has become a reality. It has been the greatest privilege, as well as, the consummate challenge of my career. This series was difficult not only in trying to capture the uniqueness of a person’s hand, but also with the medium of which I chose. Although I had dabbled in oils for years, I had never delved into an oil painting project of this magnitude. As this process continued at a steady pace, I was surrounded by these paintings in their various stages of completion. Each painting represented a special and privileged glimpse into a life well lived. The subjects’ stories and histories inspired me daily, and I realized what a gift I have been given: the honor of getting to know each person individually, and the opportunity to share their stories with a broader audience. These people have made, and continue to make, their mark. It is my hope that when the exhibit is viewed, we will each be inspired to ask ourselves… the question at hand: how have you made your mark?”

Regular viewing hours are Tuesday - Friday, 10 AM - 5 PM and Saturday, 10 AM - 2 PM.

The Carnegie is located at 207 Church St. NE Decatur, Alabama 35601