Lisa Bartell is known for her abstract figurative oil paintings in which she explores the theme of self-identity and how life events can suddenly transform internal reality. She creates from personal memories which challenged her sense of self, temporarily making her world illogical. Bartell gives expression to her experience by painting a narrative of females living in an unknown world of abstraction in which anything is possible. Her work is open to interpretation, as the imagery can appear as both whimsical and psychologically visceral. Bartell’s work has been impacted by Chagall’s fantasy paintings and Modigliani’s African-influenced portraits.
Bartell studied painting and drawing at Temple University’s Tyler School of Art. She received a BFA at Kent State University and an MFA at the University of Memphis.
Bartell is an award-winning artist and has been recognized in several solo and group exhibitions. Her work has been featured in local newspapers, art magazines, and on national television:
Awards:
2014, Honorary Mention, “The Dogs and Their Broad,” Durham Art Guild
2011, Certificate of Merit, Light, Space and Time on-line gallery
2010, Showcase Award, Positive Art That Uplifts the Spirit, Manhattan Arts International Exhibit
2004, Award of Excellence, Herstory, Manhattan Arts International Exhibit
2003, Showcase Award, The Healing Power of Art, Manhattan Arts International Exhibit
Solo Exhibitions:
2016, The Menagerie, The Arts Center, Carrboro, NC2013, The Durham Art Guild, Durham, NC2011, Floral Abstractions, The Horace Williams House, Chapel Hill, NC2004, Faces in the Garden, University of North Carolina Women’s Hospital, Chapel Hill, NC
Group Exhibitions:
2014, Flora, Linus Art Galleries, L.A. & Pasedena, CA
2012, Contemporary South, Visual Arts Exchange, Raleigh, NC
2010, Raleigh Fine Arts Society
2010, Positive Art That Uplifts the Spirit, Manhattan Arts International
2009, Seeing Red, Visual Art Exchange, Raleigh, NC
2004, Herstory, Manhattan Arts International
2003, The Healing Power of Art, Manhattan Arts International
2002 – 06, Through Women’s Eyes, By Women’s Hands, Chapel Hill, NC
Publications:
(2017). The Woven Tale Arts and Literary Magazine.
(2016). Artsy Shark Blog.
(2011). NC sightseeing column. NC Artsee Magazine.
Greenberg, B. (2009). Abstraction abounds. The Herald Sun.
(2009). An artist’s view. The Herald Metro.
(2006). Insider art. Art Calendar Magazine.
Stuber, D. (2005). Taking the side street. The Independent.
Natale, M. (2004). What’s up: Critics’ picks on the best art. Raleigh News and Observer.
Television:
Good Morning America, Bartell's painting, "Sunflowers Resting" featured in “Bob Woodward Reports: Unsung Heroes: Families of Wounded Soldiers.”