Artist Statement:
As a figurative painter and fiber artist, I strive to create works that elicit a range of emotions and challenge societal norms. My artistic approach involves exploring the themes of sensuality, femininity, and the historical context of women's work.
In my paintings, I intentionally seek to evoke a response from viewers, perhaps making them blush or feel a slight sense of discomfort. I select specific gestures and stances, such as a woman with crossed legs wearing jeans and red pumps, to capture a feminine posture that exudes confidence and allure. Through exaggeration of certain features, I aim to celebrate the beauty and power of the female form while also challenging conventional ideals of attractiveness. By doing so, I hope to encourage viewers to question preconceived notions of sexuality and embrace a more liberated perspective.
In my fiber art, I draw inspiration from both the traditional and the erotic. Utilizing wool needle felting, embroidery, using various fibres and threads, I create pieces that delve into the stories of womanhood. Each artwork reflects my exploration of the diverse experiences, roles, and histories of women.
Working from my studio in Altadena, I strive to honor the rich heritage of women's work. I focus on the intimate way women look and interact with one another, as well as the profound connections and solidarity found within sisterhood. Through the use of layered and delicate techniques, I play with texture, movement, and light to evoke a sense of depth and complexity within my fiber art.
Through my artistic practice, I invite viewers to embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Engaging with my works allows individuals to explore their own
perceptions of femininity, sensuality, and identity. My aim is to challenge societal constructs and foster conversations surrounding gender, sexuality, and empowerment. Ultimately, my art serves as a catalyst for personal growth and as a means to create a more inclusive and accepting society.
In summary, my work as a painter and fiber artist aims to evoke emotions, challenge
societal norms, and celebrate the diverse experiences of women. By embracing
sensuality and weaving together historical and contemporary themes, I invite viewers
to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and healing.
EDUCATION
Fort Myers High School, 1978
1977 to present
part-time classes at the following institutions
Edison Community College, Fort Myers, FL
LA Community College
LA Valley Collage, CA
Otis, Los Angeles, CA
Art Center, Pasadena, CA
Pasadena City College, CA
Artist Boot-Camp, CA
Molten Metal Works, CA
AWARDS
1st Place Pasadena City College Annual Art Student Exhibit
BUSINESS
Tease, Retail Store, August 1984 - 1995
Zinnia, Retail Store & Art Gallery, June 2004 - 2012
PUBLICATIONS
Los Angeles Magazine Aug 2001
“Best of LA” LA Magazine August 2012
“Best of Pasadena” July 20, 2012
“Bury Doubt Under Worry” Inspirational Quotes by Leslie Riley,
Somerset Studios, 2010
MEDIA
Summer 2008, “How to Dry and Preserve Roses” HGTV
October 2012, “Thats Clever” DIY Channel
EXHIBITS
1994 February, “Heartbreak”, Zinnia, South Pasadena, CA
2009 April, “Tattered and Tangled Garden Party”, Zinnia, South Pasadena, CA
2010 October, “Cirque de Bizarre," Zinnia, South Pasadena. CA
2012 February, “Petite Valentine”, Zinnia, South Pasadena, CA
2012 June, “350 Environment”, Zinnia, South Pasadena, Ca
2015 February, “Stitch Fetish 3”, The Hive Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
2016 June, “Boots on the Ground”, Mid-City Art House, Los Angeles, CA
2017 March, “Sea Of Art”, BG Gallery, Santa Monica, CA
2017 September, “Neighborhood Girls”, The Hive Gallery CA
2017 October, “Stitch Fetish” Center for Sex and Culture, San Fransisco, CA
2018 March, “Valentine: The Subversive” , Avenue 50 Studio, Los Angeles, CA
2018 August, “Tiny ELEPHANT Giant MOUSE”, BG Gallery, Santa Monica, CA
2018 September, ‘Solo Exhibit”, California Girls, The Hive Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
2019 January, “Best of the Hive” 14th Year, The Hive Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
2019 January, “LA Art Show” BG Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
2019 February, “Stitch Fetish 7”, The Hive Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
2019 March, “Depth of Flesh”, Solship, Los Angeles, CA
2019 July, “Pulse of LA”, SoLA Contemporary, Los Angeles, CA
2019 September, “Material and Method Exhibition”, Textile Arts Los Angeles, CA
2019 October, “The Coaster Show #7”, Gallery 30 South, Pasadena, CA
2020 January, “LA Art Show” BG Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
2020 January, “Hive Tarot 10” The Empress, Hive Gallery, LA CA
2020 February, The LA Art Show, BG Gallery, LA CA
2020 August, I of LA a Group Exh of LA Top Emerging Artist, Mash Gallery, LA CA
2020 October “The Coaster Show”. Gallery 30 South, Pasadena, CA
2021 April “The 16th Anniversary show” Hive Gallery, LA CA
2021 June 2021, “Rising Stars of LA Pt2, Hive Gallery, Los Angeles CA
2021 July 2021 “The Second Half (50 Years & Older), Las Laguna Art Gallery, LA CA
2021 September, “Trickster & Transformation”, Textile Arts of LA, Helms Bakery, LA CA
