LESLEY LUCE "Women & Songs (Composition 1230)"

The concentric circles of  Women & Songs - Composition 1230 by Lesley Luce offer a new perspective on the strength, unity, and contributions of Canadian women in music. This meticulously handcrafted work continues to explore the legacy of the iconic 1997 Women & Songs CD compilation. Thousands of paper fragments—designed, cut, and arranged with precision—combine to create a composition that is both visually captivating and rich in narrative.

The pink, orange, and rose gold palette symbolizes the warmth and vibrancy of women’s impact on the Canadian music scene, while the concentric circles represent community. Each ring reflects a different aspect of femininity through the icons and images used, exploring themes of strength, collaboration, resilience, and evolving representation within Canadian culture.

From a distance, the composition appears abstract, but up close, its intricate details reveal hidden stories, paying tribute to the powerful legacy of Canadian women in music. This work offers both a nostalgic and contemporary lens through which to celebrate their achievements.
 
Each of my artworks is accompanied by a printed booklet that serves as a legend, offering viewers a deeper understanding of the piece. It includes images of the individual paper pieces and their original source materials; providing insight into the research, inspiration, and historical references in the composition.

Women & Songs - Booklet

Artist Biography

Lesley Luce is a Canadian mixed-media artist. She specializes in intricate, concentric-circle compositions, where she meticulously arranges thousands of cut paper fragments into layered visual narratives. Her work explores themes of history, memory, and cultural identity, often weaving together archival materials, personal artifacts, and symbolic imagery to create striking abstract pieces that invite discovery.

Lesley holds an Honours Fine Arts degree from Queen’s University and postgraduate certificates in Graphic Design and Public Relations. After years of working in design and communications, she is now—at 43—fully embracing her artistic practice, translating her passion for research and storytelling into visual form.

Her process is deeply rooted in creative curiosity. Each piece begins with extensive research, uncovering histories, institutions, and personal connections that inform her compositions. She is particularly interested in the intersection of art, music, and cultural storytelling, transforming these themes into layered, dynamic works that engage the viewer in a process of discovery.

As a mother and artist, Lesley’s work reflects a deep engagement with time, repetition, and the unseen threads that connect people across generations. Through meticulous craftsmanship, she invites audiences to explore, reflect, and uncover the stories embedded within her art.