When I was 19, I saw Alberto Giacometti’s work for the first time at the Art Institute of Chicago.  He stopped me dead in my tracks – and still does. I did not make a commitment to my own art practice until years later, but his work and dedication to the figure have been strong influences.  He wrote, “The object of art is not to produce reality, but to create a reality of the same intensity.” I share his interest in expressing a personal reality. I do not begin with preconceived ideas.   I work by engaging with my materials and tools – equal partners. Letting each piece find its own voice. Being comfortable with inevitable uncertainty and failure.

I stay inspired by looking at different kinds of art, traveling whenever I can and always trying to explore the unfamiliar.  On a trip I took to Greece, I saw early Cycladic work that gave me a better understanding of figurative abstraction and what I want to do.   The Stones of Callanish in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland were also a powerful influence. My current glass and mixed media work is pushing me in new directions.  Whenever I am not feeling inspired, I look at the work of artists I love – Giacometti, David Smith, Louise Nevelson, Isamu Noguchi, Stephen De Staebler, Matisse – and get back into the studio – to find the only way inspiration really happens – by working.

Nancy Legge

Contact:

email: nancylegge22@gmail.com
phone: (415) 336 - 6615