In her artist statement, Riley reaffirms her lifelong dedication to Surrealism, Symbolism, and vibrant collage artistry, themes vividly showcased in her 2023 retrospective, *Life of Riley*. With over three decades of mastery, her collage methodology reflects a profound engagement with vivid color and intricate storytelling. Drawing from an extensive archive of magazines, vintage books, mailings, and personal documents spanning half a century, Riley meticulously curates her materials. Her contemporary style, developed under the ethos of "Little Stories and The Big Picture," transforms precisely cut or artfully torn papers into cohesive, larger-than-life images.

 

Riley’s practice extends beyond collage to include painting in acrylics and oil, where she explores fluid expressions of form and emotion on canvas. She also creates assemblage sculptures, layering found objects and mixed media into tactile, narrative-driven forms that echo the fragmented beauty of her two-dimensional work. Occasionally, she dabbles in encaustics, embracing the ancient wax medium to infuse her pieces with a luminous, textured depth that bridges the organic and the ethereal.

 

Riley’s collages—and indeed, all her works—are a vibrant tapestry of personal and universal narratives, often culminating in a central motif, frequently animals imbued with rich symbolic meaning. These creations serve as a visual symphony, blending bold hues and layered imagery to invite viewers into a dynamic interplay of meaning and emotion. Each piece tells a story, weaving together fragments of the past and present to create a dialogue between the intimate and the collective. Her process, both disciplined and intuitive, underscores a commitment to crafting engaging illustrations that resonate deeply with audiences.

 

Through her art, Riley continues to explore the convergence of memory, imagination, and symbolism. Her works challenge viewers to uncover the interconnectedness of small, fragmented stories within the grandeur of a unified composition. She invites contemplation of the human experience, where the personal and the archetypal merge in a celebration of color, form, and narrative depth.