Leslie Ahrens Sculpture
Artist
Leslie Ahrens’ sculpture is simply captivating- there is more depth than just stunning beauty. From surreal to whimsy, her works cause you to want to know the subject in a story. Leslie embodies a talent worthy of not only admiration but also profound respect for her depth of vision and sense of perfection.
Please explain what lead you to become an artist.
I was always that kid in the classroom that helped the teacher decorate the room for any and all occasions. As a child I was endlessly drawing on any scrap of paper or sculpting with cheap oil based“ kiddy” clay with my sisters— art was just a form of play. For me, expressing myself through creative activities has just been fun. Coming from a family of artists and musicians, art has been more of a lifestyle than a vocation. In later life it has grown into a sharing kind of thing; if you are touched by what you see in my work then I am happy.
What inspires you to create the works you do?
That is a good question. Sometimes I see something that resonates within me that comes out in a sculpture later, or an experience that moves me will immediately find its way to my sculpting table. Or sometimes, I just want to make myself smile and create a cow reading to her calf, or a bunny having tea with her dolly. If I make you smile too, then the work is complete.
Do you have an artist or artists whom you feel have had an influence on your work?
There are so many fabulous folks both living and dead that have inspired and influenced my work. I love the Pre-Raphaelites; all of the Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements; the strong simple lines and color of Georgia O’ Keeffe’ s work— there are so many the list just goes on and on. It is almost a tactile approach; you both see and feel the works that inspire you. You feel that connection in both your heart and your hands and you can’ t help but begin.
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