Nancy Valenta
Two of the most inspiring things in my life are creating art and enjoying the nature that surrounds me. I feel both grounded and invigorated by the fresh air and natural landscapes within my community and when traveling. I try to capture the importance and beauty of ordinary small things found in nature that one could easily overlook. With a background in paper making and painting, I use a combination of both in my art as a way to express the importance of preserving our natural environment for everyone to enjoy now and in the future.
My Mixed Media paintings are a combination of layering papers and acrylic paint. The papers I use can be found or recycled, hand printed or made from gelly prints. Sometimes they are under the surface and other times they are more obvious. Some of my smaller works are made with mostly handmade papers which I have made and collected over the years.
Originally from New Jersey, I recently moved to Colorado and look forward to being part of a creative community where I can share ideas and promote art advocacy. I began my career as a commercial textile artist and after earning a masters degree in art education with a concentration in Books and Papermaking, I worked as a high school art teacher for many years.
I have always embraced my creativity through drawing, painting and mixed media. I also design reusable tote bags, bandanas and towels which promote native plants and herbs, reflecting my interests in supporting local wildlife and ecosystems in our community.