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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