LIFE BEYOND FIRST CLASS
ARTS & COLLECTIBLES
WILD SOULS
Blending vibrant pastels with symbolic storytelling, the wildlife art of Lisa Gleim transports viewers into a realm where animals evoke both realism and deeper cultural narratives.
King of the Plains Pastel 30x26
Lisa Gleim is a master of storytelling through pastel, a medium she has embraced with passion and technical mastery. Her works transcend mere depictions of wildlife, drawing viewers into a narrative world where animals take on symbolic and culturally significant roles. Known for her series featuring Western wildlife, Gleim combines the vividness of pastel pigments with evocative backgrounds, often created from vintage maps or other nostalgic memorabilia. These backdrops not only enhance the visual appeal of her works but also contribute to their deeper narratives, inviting viewers to reflect on the connection between the wild creatures and the human world.
Her upcoming solo exhibition, Keepers of the Animals, at the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center in Clarksville, Tennessee, will present her new body of work, inspired by First Nations animal stories and legends. Running from October 23, 2024, through January 1, 2025, this highly anticipated showcase features 22 pieces that capture the majestic presence of wildlife. Gleim’s subjects, such as bears, foxes, and ravens, emerge from their backgrounds with vivid vitality, urging the viewer to explore the deeper connections between humans and the natural world. Her work in this exhibition emphasizes the connection of each animal to the native clans or tribes and the stories behind them, with the entire show focusing on the bond between the animals and particular tribes. Her pieces, such as Spirit of Little Deer and King of the Plains, showcase Gleim’s unique ability to portray animals in moments of action or quiet introspection. These creatures are not merely subjects but protagonists in a larger story, one that blends realism with cultural significance, often drawing from native storytelling traditions.
The Hunt’s Good Luck Charm Pastel 20x24
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Fox Clan Pastel on collaged maps 35x38
Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Gleim developed an early love for nature and art, nurtured by her family’s creative influence. She honed her skills at the prestigious Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, where she developed an anatomically accurate understanding of her subjects, a foundation that has shaped her technical precision. Yet, what sets her apart is her ability to infuse these creatures with life, personality, and mystery. Whether capturing the rich textures of a bear’s fur or the reflective gleam of a raven’s feathers, Gleim’s attention to detail and emotional depth resonate powerfully in her work.
Her medium of choice—pastel—allows her to create compositions that are both visually striking and thematically rich. Pastels, with their brightness and high saturation, reflect light in a way that enhances the vibrancy of her work. Gleim’s use of nostalgic backgrounds, often created from vintage maps or memorabilia, adds a unique narrative layer to her pieces, further deepening the viewer’s engagement with the artwork.
As a contemporary wildlife artist, Gleim has earned her place in galleries and museums, yet her work remains deeply personal, reflecting her love for nature and her commitment to conservation.
Eyes in the Sky Pastel 24x20
Spirit of Little Deer 20x24
Playful Shape-shifter Pastel 18.5x26.5
She is a member of Artists for Conservation, and a portion of her art sales supports wildlife and environmental conservation programs. Her time spent in Africa on safari has also influenced her latest works, which include the majestic animals of the savanna.
Master of the Sky Pastel 24x20
Gigage Unidoda the Protector Pastel 20x24
Her upcoming exhibition at the Customs House Museum is not only a showcase of her technical brilliance but also a reflection of her ongoing exploration of narrative and symbolic art. As Tennessee’s largest general interest museum, the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center is an ideal venue for Gleim’s work, and Keepers of the Animals promises to draw art enthusiasts and wildlife lovers alike into the rich, symbolic world she creates with her pastels.