Art and writing. Writing and art. Sticky fingers entwined.
When Leesa was little she drew and then painted a grilled cheese sandwich, and it looked really real! The crispy-casual art had copied her golden-gooey lunch. She had observed every detail to captured the exact texture and colour. This natural ability would repeat during her life, but lacked consistency. Whenever her art became lifelike there was a moment of amazement, but then a shrug. It always felt like a fluke.
Art is rarely promoted as a valued career choice.
And besides, can’t everyone “do” art?
When Leesa’s first son was born, a her sponge toffee heart snapped one piece free, special for him to keep (a natural part of maternal separation). That sweet chunk of her love weighed nothing and was his to have forever. Still, she craved to keep hear hearts pieces and her beautiful baby boy close. This meant snuggling, playing, and reading heaps of books.
Both mother and son grew from this sharing, sometimes they fought and sometimes they snuggled and sang. Both delighted in the words that helped and healed, but became frustrated by the words that hurt.
This tricky-toffee time offered Leesa lessons about the magical power of words.
Words are like wands. They can divide and destroy, or create and grow bonds.
Three years later Leesa’s second beautiful son arrived. And with him came a second wave of powerful words and stories. During this time she realized the importance of communication for inclusion and connection with community.
Leesa attended her first writing class at the Alexandra Writers’ Centre Society (2007 in Inglewood, Calgary). She took an evening class where she wrote then read her first real short story. In hindsight it was absolute crap. However, her confidence had sparked and her candle of creating was lit.
Leesa’s community grew with fellow writers and mentors. Soon, a cohesive and committed group of six strong and supportive storytellers formed. The Corner Lot, as they named themselves, met biweekly for all the years after. Even now, the original six remain carefully and craftily connected as foundational pillars of writing support.
Leesa’s understanding of words improved considerably; word choice, grammar, plot development, character building, story arc, driving action, tension, etc. This was the result of critiquing other writers’ WIP (works in progress), also receiving her own story’s reviews. She processeed every inch of feedback, accepting and rejecting changes as they pertained to her soul’s creative vision.
Every opportunity to connect has contributed to Leesa developing and publishing three successful books (one thousand copies have sold). She has also completed an unpublished middle grade novel which has taken ten years to craft. But this story is hers alone; not every story is meant for everyone. That process of creation, revision and review instead revealed Leesa’s inner gears–how art resembles life and life resembles art is one of the more essential lessons of creating.
Stories must be personal
to offer connection with the audience.
It was only as recent as ten years ago (2016) that Leesa embraced her unique ability to capture grilled cheese sandwiches painted on paper. She learned to create meaningful art.
Visual art is a translation of story.
Leesa’s boys are now grown men, and her chocolate heart has since grafted the new loves of art and writing, writing and art. She now engages with community by creating, sharing, teaching, listening and growing.
Humility is the beginning of every love story.
Vulnerability is the start of art and writing.
Here are some more things about leesa:
“I have been to many places and enjoy the travel experience. But when I am home, then, I love home. I am proud of where I have been privilege to go. I have anxiety when leaving what is known and comfortable, but am always grateful for my life experience gained through pushing through my own discomfort. My adventures have certainly inspired my books.” – Leesa
Podcast Interview by Selina Novello – One World, Countless Stories
Here is my one and only podcast interview from a few years ago (2022?). I speak about the process of learning and what I have discovered in my life that has helped in my understanding of the world. I’m proud of a specific discovery: ETCH – the four elements that support all life and are the foundational elements of storytelling.
My Goodreads list of books I have enjoyed and some I have not :)