Lisa Daniel, Strength of a Samurai, 2025, Acrylic, fiberglass & glass beads on panel, 30 x 30 x 2 in

Lisa Daniel creates large-scale mixed-media abstract paintings through the pouring, directing, and manipulation of layered materials including fluid acrylics, gels, paper, fabric, and other elements applied to canvas. Her work explores the interplay of color, texture, depth, and transparency, inviting viewers into intricate surfaces where forms continually emerge and shift.

Each piece begins with a considered composition and palette. Her process is intentional and methodical: multiple canvases are placed on the floor, and paint is poured from above, guided by tilting surfaces and wedges that control movement. Layer by layer, the work evolves through a process that demands patience, precision, and sustained attention.

At the same time, the drying process introduces unpredictability. While waiting for layers to set can be challenging, Daniel often responds to the temptation to intervene mid-process, allowing disruption and spontaneity to reshape the work. These interventions can transform the surface, generating unexpected textures and forms.

Her practice is defined by the tension between control and chaos, and by the ongoing search for moments when the surface resolves into something compelling and alive.