Today we’d like to introduce you to Leslie Anne.
Hi Leslie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I have always been an artist, even before I knew it for myself. My love of creating started when I was a kid.
First, it was coloring, then fashion, and then drawing and painting. I think the point of it all was my need to express myself.
When I finished undergrad, I started painting in a tiny sketchbook just to pass the time and then I realized I really liked it. I posted my art online, and someone offered to pay me for it. So I opened an Etsy shop (in 2014) to sell my art online. That’s when I first started to think that I could pursue art as a career.
Now I show my art in exhibits across America and sell original art and fine art prints online. I also work with clients and brands to produce digital content and promotional artwork. I love doing what I do.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road for me. Since I’m self-taught, I don’t have formal training in any of this art stuff. I’m figuring it all out as I go. One of the biggest hurdles that I’ve faced is navigating the business side of things and learning how to be an entrepreneur. I’m also a mom and I’m pursuing a doctorate degree in psychology, so time management is a huge challenge. I approach all of my challenges like they are opportunities for growth and I always end up better than when I started. So I’m grateful for it all.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a self-taught multidisciplinary artist based in Atlanta, Georgia by way of East St. Louis, Illinois. My work is inspired by prominent themes in my life, like motherhood, family, race, relationships, personal expression, style, and humor. I use bold contrasting elements like gold, markers, and glitter to create interesting mixed media works; showcasing my artistic range and various techniques. My preferred mediums right now are painting with acrylic or oil paint, digital artwork, and photography. I also specialize in contemporary portraiture and take commission requests for this type of work. Original paintings and prints are available for purchase via my website.
I am intentional about centering Black people and women in my pieces as a way to celebrate our culture and beauty with nuance. My art is as much about the process as it is the physical piece, as creating art opens the space for me to explore myself. My references are often individuals from my own life or Black subjects from the 80s/90s as a nod to my childhood in East St. Louis, Illinois. My intention is to give them honor and showcase their humanity. In addition to painting, I enjoy creating mixed media digital artwork with photography and lots of layers and texture. I recently finished a painting series where I created one new painting for 100 days, which was extremely fulfilling, and truly pushed my artistry to another level. I’m in the process of going back and revising certain pieces from that series now plus expanding on my digital artistry.
What matters most to you?
I care about being authentic…in my personal life and definitely in my work. I want to show people that they can do whatever they set their minds to. I also showcase Black people as the stars of their own stories as a way to depict our beauty and preserve our history. It’s important for me that I have control over the narrative and also tell my own story along the way. My children are also a huge motivation for me to pursue my passions and be successful. I want to be a positive example for not only them, but for my community.
Contact Info:
- Email: artistleslieanne@gmail.com
- Website: LoveLA.biz
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myleslieanne/
