er·rat·ic
/əˈradik,eˈradik/
noun
Geology: a rock or boulder that differs from the surrounding rock and is believed to have been brought from a distance by glacial action (also see; unpredictable in motion)
“A bold investigation into impermanence, resilience, and the unpredictable forces that shape our world…”
— Curator M. Swank of TBQA
‘Geo-Erratic Behavior’, 2024, Weaver Gallery, Emmerson Arts Center, Bozeman, MT USA
Leah Cupino's latest series captures the movement and energy of erratic boulders displaced by ancient glaciers, volcanic eruptions, and time itself. These well-traveled rocks have left their mark on landscapes, histories, and even human imagination. Some became landmarks, others objects of worship, heated litigation, or national monuments.
The ancient travelers are infused with an electrifying energy of her color sets and brush work. In each painting, she explores ideas of place, movement, and how even the most unshakable things can find themselves in unexpected new situations.
“She reimagines these geological wanderers as metaphors for human experience highlighting the tension between permanence and fragility within the relentless forces of nature. With shimmering silk chiffon paintings, sculptures crafted from natural wool and recycled plastics her innovative materials blur the line between natural and manmade, her work challenges us to see beauty in transformation and chaos.”
— January 2025, Substack Interview with Micheal Swank, TBQA
Small Erratic Boulder Paintings Below
Acrylic, Oil & pastel on polymer film
18in w x 29in h
”Leah’s work stands out for its unique approach to art, serving as a symbolic map reflecting the human experience and the impact of humanity on our environment. With a keen focus on the diminishing glaciers, she draws parallel narratives between shrinking natural resources, artifacts, and the evolving human condition. Our conversation delved into the intricate connections she weaves, mapping the contours of a changing world and echoing the shifts within ourselves.” — curator M. Swank of TBQA
TBQA VOL 3 — INTERVIEW on Substack or Spotify , or written article
TBQA VOL 5 “ERRATIC” on Spotify or written article
Erratic on Silk IV
Ink, Acrylic, and oil on Silk Chiffon, 3 x 3 ft
The Weaver Gallery of the Emmerson Arts Center in Bozeman, MT has featured Cupino’s first exhibition of this emerging series. The large exhibition hall contained 35 acrylic, oil, and watercolor paintings ranging in sizes from five inches to five feet tall on polymer film and silk chiffon. A colorful historic ‘naturalization certificate’ accompanied a select number of works detailing their unique story of origin, mode of transport (ice sheet, flood, volcanic eruption, or fire), identifying visuals, composition and metrics, discovery, and current place of residence.
Select pieces have also been exhibited with “IMMORTAL: Exhibition Dia De Muertos 2025” in Mexico City, MX, and “Efimero: Vida, Muerte, y Arte,” held at Juan Rulfo Cultural Center in Mexico City from October 4th to November 2nd, 2024 Secretaria de Cultura CDMX, and during Semana Del Arte 2025 at Clavo Moviemento Siete, as a solo presentation on Artsy. net — TBQA VOL 8. - ERRATICS, and a quick INTERVIEW on Substack / Spotify, with an additional article written here.
