Alicia Philley (b.1972, Dallas, TX) combines the techniques of abstract expressionism and op-art to make paintings and sculptures in conversation with the natural world. Her merging of intuitive gesture and rigorous process has evolved through visual and emotional engagement with dense cities and urban green spaces. Philley completed the BFA program in painting at Hunter College, NYC, (2003) and earned a BA in journalism from Southern Methodist University, Dallas, (1995.) Her abstractions focus on the correlations between lived environment, perception, and memory. She employs the language of nature—color, reflective light, and patterns—to build imaginary landscapes. With precise, flowing linework woven over and around woodgrain patterning, Philley chronicles time. Moments cooling off in neighborhood creeks, hiking state park trails, and growing native plants show up in the ripple, sway, and shimmer of her paintings. In the past few years, Philley has held solo shows with the Dougherty Arts Center, Art84 Gallery, and the 14th St. Contemporary Eco Museum in Austin, TX. She has also been commissioned for site-specific installations by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, the LBJ Ranch & National Historic Park, and the City of San Marcos Arts Commission. Her paintings and sculptures are part of private, corporate, and healthcare center collections across the US and in Europe. She currently resides in Austin, TX with her husband, two teenagers, and a lot of backyard trees.