If Leslie Powers could be described in just a couple of adjectives it would be “vibrant” and “energetic”––both of which exude from her artwork. A mixed media artist, Leslie is continually pushing the boundaries with her unique use of color and various mediums.
While all of her work may fall into the genre of abstract, Leslie thrives on innovation and experimentation, so it’s a constant creative evolution. Journey through her body of work and you’ll encounter one bold experiment after another. She doesn’t shy away from neon acrylics, metallic foils or bold contrasts. And it’s this fearlessness that captivates people and consistently produces that feeling of awe, which is exactly what Leslie is after.
Leslie is a creative at heart. From a young age, she took to creating things out of found objects. In school, she excelled in art and design, honing her skill and voice, through a series of competitions and challenges. These experiences led to various recognitions––including acceptance into the National Art Honor Society––and fueled her to dive deeper into the creative world and ultimately pursue art and design as a career.
Read on to learn more about Leslie and the vibrant, energetic pieces she has planned for the Celebration of Fine Art.
What inspired you to pursue art as a career?
I love vibrant color and beautiful spaces. My affinity for interior design and decorating propelled me to create avant-garde abstract paintings. Art allows me the ability to fashion a distinctive and harmonized space of design.
I am constantly on the lookout for innovative ideas and setting new trends. With the use of color, my intuition and countless hours of trial and error, I have developed a rather unconventional style––one I’d like to think is unique to me, at least I was never taught by anyone else. Some of my favorite tools include a micro mist spray bottle, putty knives, a large blending brush, metallic foils, glitter and resin. This artistic journey began as a hobby in 2017 when I started redecorating my own home. That passion then evolved into my business, LA Art Co. in 2018.
How did you get your start creating art?
I’ve been creating art since I was young, starting with crafting things out of treasures I’d find while dumpster diving. It all began to take shape when I won a blue ribbon in middle school for a single-line drawing of a bicycle.
This small success fueled my passion, leading to an enjoyable high school experience where I took part in design and build challenges. These challenges involved creating large-scale art installations in public spaces, which taught me a lot about my artistic preferences and strengths. Additionally, my involvement in these activities led to my acceptance into the National Art Honor Society during my senior year of high school at St. Mary’s Academy, an all-girls Catholic school in Colorado.
As a mixed media artist, is there a particular medium that’s your favorite or that you’re most excited about currently?
I’m absolutely obsessed with acrylic inks, especially Golden’s neon and brilliantly vibrant fluid acrylics, alongside acrylic gouache! Their intense pigmentation allows for seamless blending and layering, especially when paired with metallic foils or textured molding paste.
One thing that has me incredibly excited is my upcoming neon frame collection that I will be displaying at the Celebration. These playful acrylic frames will showcase some of my classic black and white prints, adding a trendy and lively touch to the vibe.
What is the most rewarding thing about your work?
The most rewarding thing would be that “wow” factor. Creating art and spaces that captivate the viewer, compelling them to pause and utter a spontaneous “wow”. That response is incredibly fulfilling to me.
One of my favorite pieces, “neon fling” holds that special power. Despite its simplicity, composed of just two colors (neon pink and magenta ), it possesses an irresistible magnetism. Its vibrant energy seems to effortlessly beckon and engage countless individuals, drawing them closer in fascination.
What is the most challenging?
The creative mind can be a double-edged sword, a realm of both blessings and occasional challenges. I often find myself initiating numerous projects simultaneously, yet struggling to see them through to completion. This ability to generate ideas easily is both a strength and an obstacle. Moreover, when faced with new endeavors or creating for a client, I battle with delving too deeply into my thoughts, causing occasional hurdles in execution. Pushing myself to the
finish line, overcoming self-imposed mental barriers and embracing my unique character remain my foremost challenges in this creative journey.
Has your work evolved over the years?
Over time, I’ve uncovered numerous insights through a journey of experimentation, self-discovery and learning from my own mistakes. I don’t fit the mold of a conventionally trained artist emerging from a prestigious art institution.
My art is a reflection of a dynamic evolution, adapting to the demands of trend-conscious buyers. It’s a fusion of pop art’s vibrancy, vivid colors, abstract concepts, and organic shapes interwoven with layered textures. It strikes a
balance—unpretentious yet refined, maintaining a touch of elegance without becoming overly serious. My artistic style is about exuding a sense of playfulness, radiating good vibes and a contagious energy.
Is there a particular piece you’re excited to introduce at the Celebration of Fine Art?
At the moment, I’m working on finishing a new 48” x 60” black and white painting, designated for my feature wall. This piece embodies a cutting-edge, modern style, embellished with silver metallic foil and pearl pigment highlights. Titled “Dichotomy”, it harmonizes the contrasts between the masculine and feminine, darkness and light. Additionally, my space will be bursting with vibrant colors of course, and my electrifying neon pieces. There’s an undeniable ’80s resonance igniting some of my newer creative inspiration right now.
What drew you to the Celebration of Fine Art?
I’m thrilled and deeply honored to announce my participation in the Celebration of Fine Art 2024. Having been an intrigued observer at the show for the past couple of years, I’ve often pondered taking the leap and embracing the challenge of such a prestigious art event. This marks a significant turning point for me in the realm of art exhibitions. In anticipation of this new chapter, propelling my career into an exciting new phase. I’m eagerly looking forward to creating and showcasing both new and familiar pieces at the show. As well as the opportunity to connect with fellow art enthusiasts and aficionados as I embark on this exciting journey.