Featured image: Climbing Mt. Rainier, Leah Tomaino, 2012, mixed media on canvas, 24 x 30 in. / 60.96 x 76.2 cm.
Leah Tomaino's collection centered on Mt. Rainier uses an innovative collage technique to explore the transient beauty of nature through a sustainable lens.
Leah Tomaino is an artist known for her unique collages using recycled materials to explore themes of nature and sustainability, highlighting the beauty and fragility of the environment.
Using recycled brown bags as her canvas, Tomaino paints, tears, and reconstructs these materials to capture the rugged terrain and delicate flora of Mt. Rainier. Each piece not only represents a moment in nature but also serves as a statement on environmental conservation, highlighting the possibilities of upcycled art.
Explore our curated selection of contemporary artists from around the globe.
Naturalist Gallery offers artist representation internationally. Apply your art.
Last of Mt. Rainier
Last of Mt. Rainier, Leah Tomaino, 2013, mixed media on canvas, 20 x 16 in. / 50.8 x 40.64 cm.
"Last of Mt. Rainier" demonstrates Leah Tomaino’s distinctive collage technique, where the textured layers of painted brown bags create a dynamic, almost three-dimensional effect. This artwork encapsulates the fleeting beauty of alpine flowers against the enduring strength of the mountainous backdrop. The contrast between the fragile, ephemeral blooms and the solid, enduring rocks subtly comments on the temporary nature of natural beauty and the lasting impact of environmental changes.
Climbing Mt. Rainier
In "Climbing Mt. Rainier," Tomaino captures the ascending paths and challenging terrains of the iconic mountain. This collage invites viewers to ponder the resilience and perseverance both of the climbers and the natural world that challenges them. The depth created by the layering technique adds a tactile quality that enhances the visual journey across the canvas, making the mountain's vast scale and rugged texture palpable.
Spring on Mt. Rainier
Spring on Mt. Rainier, Leah Tomaino, 2011, mixed media on canvas, 20 x 16 in. / 50.8 x 40.64 cm.
"Spring on Mt. Rainier" vibrantly portrays the rejuvenation of life after winter’s thaw. Tomaino's use of vibrant greens and pinks against the muted tones of the mountain portrays a lively contrast that echoes spring's renewing energies. This piece is particularly evocative of the delicate balance within mountain ecosystems, serving as a visual reminder of the fragile interplay between climate and flora.
Leah Tomaino’s artistic exploration of Mt. Rainier through recycled materials not only showcases her unique approach to mixed media but also her commitment to ecological themes. Each collage serves as a profound reminder of the beauty and fragility of our natural world, urging viewers to consider more sustainable practices in art and in life. Her work stands out as a meaningful convergence of artistic innovation and environmental advocacy.
Learn more About Naturalist Gallery of Contemporary Art.
You may also find the following articles helpful:
The 14 Essential Artists of Impressionism
Expressionism: 20 Iconic Paintings & Their Artists
Renaissance Art: Origins, Influences, and Key Figures
Classical Art Movement: Exploring the History, Artists, and Artworks
Figurative Art: Understanding, Collecting, and Appreciating the Style
Daily Routines of Famous Artists: Learn from the Masters
Top 12 Controversial Artworks That Changed Art History