Artist Statement: In imperfection, lies reality, beauty, and character. Unique beauty lies beneath the surface of every individual. In my abstract paintings and sculptures, I let the form, color, and placement of figures and shapes imply subsurface content and emotion. My work examines and responds to the notion of narrative and the interplay between singularity and universality in storytelling. The more personal the story, the more universal its message. Focused on identity as impacted by transience and imperfection, some common themes that run through my work are telling the unknown or hidden stories. Focusing on the imperfect in a world that embraces limited or constrained definitions of beauty, my intent is to challenge those definitions and perceptions. My hope is to influence a mindset change wherein beauty is redefined in the eye of each beholder. Biography: Elaine Weiner-Reed (EWR) is an author and award-winning, internationally known Artist. Bilingual in French, she resides in Maryland, where she has worked for over 38 years as a professional artist and writer. Focused on honoring the resiliency of the human spirit, Weiner-Reed’s work has been included in international exhibitions in China, Hong Kong, India, Spain, France, Poland, Canada, and at least 25 national exhibits across the U.S. – to include three solo/featured and two group shows in Chelsea (NYC). Weiner-Reed’s three solo shows in Maryland (2016, 2017, 2018) launched her “Every Painting is a Song” collaboration initiative. Her art is in public and private collections in the U.S., Poland, France, Italy, Bulgaria, Spain, and Africa. Chosen by name, Weiner-Reed participated in Poland Ministry of Culture and EU-sponsored Artist Residency Programs in Myslenice, Poland (2014, 2017), where she was part of a team creating public murals. In 2018, she was selected as an Artist in Residence at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts (Annapolis, MD).