BELFAST — "Found in Translation," on view at Waterfall Arts from October 23 through November 28, brings together the work of three Maine artist friends Deborah Jellison, JoAnne Houlsen, and John LeBlanc in a cross-disciplinary mixed-media exhibition exploring familiar landscapes, objects, and experiences of Maine through three distinctly individual artistic perspectives.

An Opening Reception will be held Friday, October 23, from 5 - 7 p.m. 

Working across painting, sculpture, assemblage, and mixed media, Jellison, Houlsen, and LeBlanc transform Maine-inspired subjects into imaginative and unexpected interpretations. The exhibition ranges from intimate 10 x 10-inch works to large-scale pieces measuring up to 6 x 6 feet. Acrylic, oil, and pastel paintings are layered with gold leaf, metal foil, collage, decorated paper, cardboard, polymer clay, and natural and found materials, creating a dynamic conversation between two- and three-dimensional work, according to a Waterfall Arts news release.

“We thought it would be exciting to have an exhibition that would highlight our individual ideas and processes when developing the same subject," said JoAnne Houlsen. "One hope I have from this exhibit is for viewers to leave with the realization that there are many ways to observe and interpret what you see, and it doesn’t just apply to when you are creating art, but it also applies to our day-to-day experiences.” 

At the heart of "Found in Translation" is the idea of Maine as both place and home. Landscapes, still lifes, and figures become starting points for each artist to explore memory, identity, place, and personal experience. While the subject matter may be shared, each artist translates these common experiences through their own visual language and creative process.

The artists bring a wide range of influences and approaches to the exhibition. JoAnne Houlsen draws from Post-Impressionism, including the work of Gauguin and Van Gogh, as well as contemporary collage artists Lauralein Svencner and Judith Bergensen. John LeBlanc finds inspiration in artists such as Elizabeth Murray, Frank Stella, Picasso, and Modigliani. Deborah Jellison looks to the dreamlike realities of Neo-Surrealism, finding creative insight in artists including Sarah Jarrett and Sharon Griffin.

"The result is an eclectic and unexpected exploration of a place the artists know well," said Waterfall Arts. "Through a shared connection to Maine and three distinctly personal artistic voices, Jellison, Houlsen, and LeBlanc invite viewers to consider how a common landscape, experience, or sense of home can be continually reimagined and found in translation."

Deborah Jellison said: “During a conversation, John, JoAnne, and I were discussing elements in our work that we had in common: living in the state of Maine, a love of nature and animals, etc., and we decided to write a proposal for a show that would highlight these commonalities and our differences. It was both challenging and inspiring to work on some of the subjects since oftentimes I was working outside of my comfort zone. Discipline and trust were an important aspect of the process.” 

For LeBlanc, the act of making art is as important as the finished piece. Painting and sculpting provide a way to explore ideas, respond to what he sees, and bring greater meaning to everyday life. The exhibition will also feature sculptural installation pieces created specifically for Found in Translation. These works are intended as temporary installations rather than permanent sculptures, allowing LeBlanc to explore the relationship between object, space, and environment through an experimental approach to sculpture.

Waterfall Arts |  256 High Street | Belfast, Maine 04915