"Diminutive Fables (Stories for a Second Childhood)" introduces 25 linoleum block prints by printmaker and painter Lea Goldman in her solo exhibit at the Crown Point branch of South Shore Arts.

Fifteen of the prints are limited editions from a run of 20 and 10 are hand-painted artist proofs. Goldman drew inspiration in her work following a move several years ago from Los Angeles to South Bend, into a large home near a forest and "enormous trees." She completed the prints during the winter months, a period of adjustment for herself.

"Images come up during quiet time, the quiet of meditation," Goldman said.

"I also read a lot of literature. I like mythology. Everything had to do with all kinds of cultural expressions."

One of the black and white prints, "Birdfeeder's Wake," was part of her adjustment to noncity life.

"Living by a forest -- I put out a birdfeeder," Goldman said. "Of course, birds came -- and more animals.

"So what happens to the birds if something happens to me?" she said.

Goldman, who has created paintings based on the prints (on a much larger scale), said visitors interpret her art in different ways. While it's the one moment in the piece that matters, people can develop a linear story as they please.

"That's the beauty of art. It allows you to get involved and put your own imagination in," she said.

"My art is visionary storytelling."

In a statement on her Web site, Goldman describes her work as one that "addresses concerns and challenges that we as human beings face in our daily life." She explains that although the pictures deal with problematic elements in our lives, the message is mostly positive.

"There is joy in the bright colors, swift movements and humorous staging," she explains in her statement.

"With that I intend to say that whatever may occur, life is worth living."

Tired of war and conflict, Goldman left her home in Israel 35 years ago and moved to the United States. She has a masters in art from Columbia University in New York and an MFA in studio art from Cal State University in Los Angeles.

Participating in group and solo shows for 30 years, she has received several honors including an award in the Art and Social Justice Exhibition at the Colfax Cultural Center, South Bend.

Goldman was impressed with her visit to Crown Point and its branch of South Shore Arts during her opening reception.

"It's very elegant," she said. "My black and white prints fit in there just right."