A Story: Art and writing. Writing and art. Sticky fingers entwined.
When Leesa was seven years old she painted a picture of her lunch. On her plate was a crispy warm grilled cheese sandwich and on her page the picture look really real. Her small hands and casual observation had copied the golden-gooey lunch. This natural ability repeated over the years, but lacked consistency. Whenever the art came alive for her there was amazement, and then a shrug. Success always felt like a fluke.
Art is rarely promoted as a valued career choice. And besides, can’t everyone “do” art?
Another story: Love breaks the heart in all the best ways.
When Leesa’s first son was born, a her sponge toffee heart snapped a piece free, special for her baby to keep. This is a natural part of maternal separation. That sweet chunk of momma’s love was his to have forever. To grow from. Still, she longed to hold her heart’s pieces close, and of course her little boy too! This meant lots of snuggles while reading heaps of books.
Both momma and son grew from this sharing.
Also, they fought. Those moments were hard. But then they would find words to help and to heal.
This tricky-toffee close together time offered Leesa great lessons about the 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.
Even more story: Finding a way to use words and amplify ones self.
Leesa attended her first writing class at the Alexandra Writers’ Centre Society (2007 in Inglewood, Calgary). There 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 each other’s writing.
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 others’ WIP (work in progress), and from receiving her own story’s reviews. She processeed every inch of feedback, accepting and rejecting changes as they pertained to her own idea, and in keeping with her voice.
Leesa has developed and published three successful books (one thousand copies sold). Over the last ten years, she has completed an unpublished middle grade novel, a story that is hers alone — not every story is meant to be shared. That process of creation, revision and review revealed her inner gears–it showed her how art resembles life and life resembles art — an essential lesson for creating.
Stories must be personal to offer connection with the audience.
“It was only as recent as ten years ago (2016) that I came to understand my unique ability to capture grilled cheese sandwiches painted on paper. I have learned to create meaningful art.”
The continuing story: Visual art is a translation of story.
Leesa’s boys are now grown men, and her sponge toffee heart has since grafted new loves: art and writing. 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.
More 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’s an interview from a few years ago. 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.