Rhythm is a principle of art that guides this series of work. Rhythm exists in Elizabeth's visual language through the interplay of color, texture, and composition, she explore this by combining these elements in a way that creates flow and harmony—whether in the careful layering of prints or the repetitive process of organizing collages.

 

The act of creating prints often leads to a collection of scrap edges—torn remnants from the printing process. Like saving fabric scraps to make quilts, Elizabeth saves these strips, organizes them by size and color, and eventually arranges them into collages. This process is meditative, offering moments of reflection as she repeats the simple act of organizing and arranging until she finds a composition that feels right. In these collages,, there is a rhythm, a flow from one scrap to the next, each piece contributing to the greater whole.

 

In Elizabeth's traditional prints, the flow is not just in the process, but in the finished image. She draws inspiration from the natural world—waves, water, and the rhythms of nature. The layering of colors and textures, creates a sense of calm yet vibrant energy. She works with photographic references, carves woodcut plates as well as create collagraph and monoprint matrices; combining them in different configurations to explore how each layer shifts the overall composition. Each print is one of a kind, an opportunity to discover new color combinations, textures, and visual harmonies.

 

Ultimately, whether in her prints or collages, Elizabeth aims to create work that allows for intuitive decisions and reflection. Both processes invite her to slow down, to meditate on the relationships between colors, shapes, and textures. Through rhythm, she finds a sense of balance—not just on the paper, but in life as well.

​

 

About the Artist

​

Elizabeth Foley is an accomplished artist and educator based in Louisville, Kentucky. With over twenty-five years of experience, her work has been exhibited at notable venues such as the 21c Museum Hotel in Lexington and is included in prestigious collections, including those at UK Chandler Medical Center, University of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, May Department Stores, and the Kentucky One Healthcare Network.

​

In 2017, Elizabeth participated in the inaugural Hadley Creatives Cohort, and in 2020, she was awarded a Kentucky Foundation for Women Artist Enrichment Grant. She holds a BFA in graphic design from Washington University, as well as an MFA in printmaking and an M.Ed in secondary education from Ohio University. Currently, Elizabeth teaches at Assumption High School in Louisville and runs FoleyPrints Studio.