The Art Institute of Minnesota
Leslie Williams
I am an individualist. I strive to make my ideas and visions into artwork, photographs, and designs of my own. I am a designing observer, traveler, and adventurer, seeing and experiencing new things which to me epitomize design. Design is everywhere; from the memories I have of venturing to places as close as my backyard to across the sea to Bonaire, all of which come to life in many of my pieces. Nature is what I love to be surrounded by; I prefer to feel relaxed and be in a relaxing environment. Drifting into realms unknown, daydreaming about places beyond my bedroom walls, I create a world that I can call my own. I like to incorporate that world and feeling of escape into my designs and artwork. When I see a sunset reflecting off the surface of a lake, for example, I want to mimic those colors, those shapes, and that feeling of solitude into work of my own. I love to explore these theories of nature, relaxation, solitude, and wonder into my designs. Portraying my ideas in an abstract form leaves the viewer guessing as to what the piece is about or what it means. That mystery and wonder is often the basis of my artwork and designs, depicting the persuasion of spontaneity in my life that has always triggered my inspiration. I like to have movement in my pieces, whether it is the slight curve and weep of a tree and its branches, the hair of a woman in the wind, or the drip and swell of water, and the depth and contrast of a value study is what I love to incorporate into my designs, with an occasional accent of a color or two. I like smooth transitions, subtle yet textured shapes, and detail in my work, which to me, help express the idea of calm and relaxation. Art and design are important elements in my life; they are my outlets. My voice is being seen with wide eyes and open minds instead of being heard by eager ears. I want to enter the design field because I know that my voice will be seen, given the opportunity. My identity as a quiet and solemn person shows through the subject of my pieces, but I want the context and execution to be seen as strong, bold, and meaningful; though quietly spoken, these ideas are loud through my designs.
Local First Place Winners 2008