ENDANGERED SPECIES
In this dystopian world I've created... ravaged by the effects of global warming... this little girl is being protected in this dangerous environment by her giraffe. Both the little girl and the giraffe are endangered species in this world. Aren't we all?
THE VISION
Project yourself into a different world; a fantasy world... one that may seem familiar to you. In this world, we watch, blindly, as our farms turn to deserts, our cities are flooded, and our population explodes. This world is ailing, but we optimistically look forward to better times when technology will solve all our problems.
But will it? Can environmental bureaucrats re-engineer our society to be more green? We trust them with our lives and our environment, even as they unleash unproven technology to unexpected consequences. We may laugh at their antics and their solutions, but we are optimists and they are powerful.
Is this world better for their involvement? Is the air more clean? The water more pure? The harvest more plentiful? Or do their reckless projects mock the ideas of renewal and redemption?
These are the themes of The Environmental Series, which use surrealistic imagery, fantasy, and, yes, humor to show a world of inept leadership and absurd solutions to environmental problems. Each painting tells the story of our constant efforts to make things better. Each one reflects our naive certainty that technology will solve our problems. Is there optimism in these paintings? You be the judge.
THE TECHNIQUE
John Leben is a digital artist, and as such paints his pictures in the computer using powerful software, offering prints of his original compositions. That makes Leben a printmaker who uses digital technology for expression and reproduction.
Limited Edition Canvases are printed one at a time using Epson Inkjet technology with archival-quality pigment-based inks. Each print is signed and numbered.
THE MEDIUM
John Leben's Limited Edition Canvases are printed on PremierArt Museum Bright Satin Canvas, a poly/cotton canvas with a natural white base. Canvas is then coated with PremierArt Eco Print Shield, a solvent-free varnish that has been formulated especially for PremierArt canvas. Independent testing by Wilhelm Imaging Research has shown that it will increase the life of the image significantly, while protecting the print from scuffing and other physical abrasions. All canvas limited editions are mounted on 1/2 inch warp-free gator board using pH neutral adhesive and framed using museum-style matte black aluminum frames, Nielson profile 117-21.
NOTE FROM THE ARTIST
“Hey, thanks so much for stopping by and thank you for your interest in my work. I am constantly producing new work so please check back regularly. Also, keep in mind that many limited editions can be produced in additional custom sizes. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me personally at jleben@lebenart.com with any questions regarding my work. Take care and thanks for your support.” - John
