For our fifth interview of the 2022 Delaware Fun-A-Day, we talk to artist Leslie C. Leach about her past DEFAD experiences, photography, and rock music as inspiration for her art. Thanks, Leslie!
We like to know how people are connected to Delaware Fun a Day - are you a resident, born and raised? What opportunities have you found being in the exhibit?
I have lived in Delaware most of my life, so raised and returned but not born here. I have enjoyed the opportunity to express my creative side. Maybe something more will come about in the future.
This is going to be your FIFTH year participating! Can you describe your favorite past Fun-A-Day project?
I think the 2018 exhibit at the Delaware Contemporary. First, it’s an amazing venue! I had spent a long car ride conjuring up ways to incorporate a character I had drawn when I was a teenager. I had no name for him back then but now I call him Calm Dude. He’s a small round meditative fellow but my ideas for the month got him into many interesting situations.
You’ve been with us now for 5 years as a participant and your first year was when we were exhibiting at The Delaware Contemporary, followed by two years at CC Arts, and then Virtually in 2021 for your fourth year with us… so tell us honestly, which was your favorite exhibit space? And how do you feel about exhibiting in person with your artwork versus exhibiting virtually? Is there an advantage to one over the other or are they equally good options?
The Delaware Contemporary, see #2, was my favorite because it’s a great place. My mom was an artist and she would have been tickled to see my work on display there. I prefer the “live” in person exhibits more than the virtual. I spend a lot of time on the computer and virtually for work so it’s nice to be out and about. The virtual was a little longer exposure but I am not sure how many people went back to it, after the first month.
Tell us about the successes or struggles you found back in your first year as a Delaware Fun-A-Day participant. Your first project with us in 2018 was titled “Memory Stamping” and your project description was “It will either be stamped art from different types of stamping materials, such as potatoes or Styrofoam”. Was this a difficult first project?
Well, it was not working for me, so I change it! I had some simple ideas and then didn’t get further along with where I wanted to go with it. I decided to change to my Calm Dude and was glad I did. I may experiment with stamping at some point. Stamping with potatoes and other objects is great fun.
How have you grown as an artist over the past few years? Not just while participating in this art challenge, but in your day-to-day creative life as well? Is there any wisdom you feel you can impart on people who are just starting their creative journey?
I’d say that just pushing myself to do art, be creative, think outside the box and don’t be concerned about perfection has helped me grow as an artist. I am taking the time to step back and look at things in new ways. I think everyone can be creative, whether it’s cooking, raising kids, crafting merger agreements or drawing, painting, or photography. Everyone can write letters, they are just shapes, and connected shapes. Try messing about with decorative letters and words if that feels comfortable. It may open the door for you.
You’ve explored other mediums, but photography seems to be your main means of artistic expression, specifically photographing smaller details that interest you. Do you think that’s an accurate statement? And if so, what is it about found objects and smaller details that calls to you? Is there a hidden truth you’re seeking?
Yes, photography is my main form and has been a favorite since I was a kid. People have praised my photos and it has reinforced my love of it. I earned my degree in photography but chose a different career path years ago. It’s hard to say why I prefer close-up photography. I do remember when I got my first 35 mm and zoom lens, it was just cool. I tend toward graphic design and shapes rather than portraits. I was able to take a landscape photography class this summer and it re-opened my eyes to other possibilities.
In photojournalism, they teach you to get into the habit of keeping your camera with you at all times so that you can take a photo with only a moment’s notice if need be. Do you always keep your camera handy with you at all times?
I wish I could say yes, I have the 35 mm camera with me all the times, but I do use my camera on my phone a lot. Hiking on weekends allows me to find great things to capture. I have somewhere in my bag, a clip that enables you to clip your big camera to your backpack strap or belt. You’ve rekindled my interest in grabbing the big camera again!
How do you feel about using a “professional” caliber camera versus using a cellphone to take photos? Do you think it matters when it comes to art?
I think any way that you can capture what it is that you want to capture, the tool that you have at hand works the best. I was able to snap pictures of butterflies recently because my cellphone was in my pocket. If I had to get the big camera out, focused etc. I may have missed the pic.
Because of the advances in technology, cell phones can be great for art, and computers to manipulate photos. I love found art too so any tool that helps your vision along is valid in your process.
I LOVE the idea of your project this year “Captured Lyrics” where you took photos or made mixed media pieces hoping to give new meaning to favorite lyrics… so tell me, what’s your “type” of music? Do you have a favorite band, or a go-to music style that gets your creativity going? Give us all some recommendations of what we should be listening to these days!
I’m a rock and roll fan and enjoy a variety of bands. I was listening to Greg Lake’s Still…You Turn Me On which is a beautiful song, and his voice was soulful. He wrote the song when he was 12 and went on to record it when he was in Emerson Lake & Palmer. I knew of him and the band but hadn’t really listened carefully to the words. He sings “…someone get me a ladder.” and it made me laugh. Who sings about a ladder? So, I decided to look for different meanings to lyrics that are in songs that I hear. I’ve found a few and stretched a few. I enjoyed adding a bit of humor to it.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I was surprised and pleased to see my photos from the 2020 show be part of the promotional piece for the 2021 show! I really appreciate all the work that you go through to get Fun A Day to fruition!
Where can people see more of your work?
At the moment, Fun A Day is the only place outside of home. I am @lesliebard on Instagram. I’m a work in progress so maybe next year I’ll have my social media set up for public display.