We’re looking forward to introducing you to Leslie Song. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Leslie, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Right now I am training for a half marathon so a typical morning starts with a run.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Leslie and I am a mixed media artist. My work is process-oriented and focuses on repetition and texture. A common question I receive is how long it takes to create a piece, and the answer is unknown – each work of art is its own meticulous composition. I’ve tried several times to keep track and I have yet to be successful.
Currently, I am working on an exhibit that will be displayed at Duane Reed Gallery from January 16th – February 27th, 2026.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
In high school, I took a foundation drawing class for fun and loved everything about it – learning to observe, to study nuances in light and shadow, the delicate process of creating gradients with graphite. It was my high school art teacher, Grant Kniffen, who saw real potential and pushed me to take more art classes. I resisted for about a year and a half, and decided to take a painting class my junior year. Teachers truly make or break an experience and his support led me to study art and follow a path in the fine arts.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, and in fact, I did give up in 2013. After finishing grad school, I felt burnt out and decided not to pursue a career in the arts. Instead, I went into early childhood education and taught young students for some time before realizing I needed to create.to be happy.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
“Suffering for your art” is a concept that needs to stop. There has been a longstanding idea that a creative person has to go through trauma in order to create work that is important and/or significant. I think creating or having a creative outlet is helpful to get through tough times but is not a requisite to be an artist and we have the ability to create regardless of our mood.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when life feels balanced – there is time to work in the studio, go for a run, read a book, spend time with family and friends, etc. It doesn’t have to be all of these things every single day, but if I am able to spend quality time with even two or three of these areas in life, it brings me joy, peace, and fulfillment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lesliesong.com
- Instagram: @lesliesongart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lesliesongart
