Today we’d like to introduce you to Leah Gardner.
Leah, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I grew up in Brooklyn, and I have lived in NYC, Washington DC, Los Angeles, and Berkeley CA. I started drawing and painting in Miami about six years ago. I work full-time and do art just for fun at night and on the weekends.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I love to draw and paint peoples’ faces using mixed media. I usually start by drawing a face with pencil, pen, or charcoal, and then I use Conte, charcoal, watercolors, spray paints, oil paints, acrylics, etc. I also love to make collages with torn paper.
For me, art is about healing. I have experienced trauma, and I am a survivor. Art helps me to process and heal my feelings, and perhaps some of my emotions come across in my art.
Do you think conditions are generally improving for artists? What more can cities and communities do to improve conditions for artists?
I love street art! I hope that children and teens will be encouraged to express themselves and heal through art.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
My art can be seen on Instagram @leah_smileygirl. I give away for free by mail all of my original artwork to the first person on Instagram who asks. It makes me so happy to imagine that my art is being enjoyed by someone else.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: leah_smileygirl
Image Credit:
Leah Gardner
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