You are invited to meet visual artist Leslie Campbell at the November Creative Souls Series Event.
November 14, 2023
6:30-8:30 PM
520 E Elk Ave
Elizabethton, TN 37643
Enjoy your Tuesday evening:
Meet Leslie
Learn about her nature inspired creative process
Discover Forest Therapy
Enjoy the company of others
More about Leslie:
I'm Leslie Campbell, a mixed media and assemblage artist with a passion for storytelling through art. While I've primarily focused on mixed media painting for the past 25 years, my interests have recently shifted towards creating intricate assemblage pieces.
One of my notable works is the Pandemic Origami Peace Crane Project, a three-dimensional installation that holds great significance. Inspired by the book "1,000 Paper Cranes," which tells the story of a Japanese girl diagnosed with leukemia after Hiroshima, I embarked on folding origami peace cranes during the lockdowns. Determined to fold 1,000 cranes, I aimed to spread courage and hope, just as the practice of folding cranes has done globally. I had the privilege of displaying this installation in various locations, providing solace and a glimmer of hope during these challenging times. Currently, it resides in my gallery, Ravenworks Gallery, located in Johnson City, TN, where I continue to share its message of joy and wonder through installations in the surrounding area.
In recent years, I have achieved significant milestones in my artistic journey. My 3D piece titled "Forest Bathing" received both a Merit Award and the People's Choice Award from the Wilmington Art Association in North Carolina. Furthermore, the Peace Crane Project gained recognition at the renowned M2 Gallery in Little Rock, AR, where it was displayed for six months as the pandemic began to subside. On October 5th - Feb. 4th one can find the two pieces of art that were juried into the “From These Hills: Contemporary Art in the Southern Appalachian Highlands at the William King Museum of Art in Abingdon, VA.
Two transformative artist residencies also shaped my artistic approach. At Chateau Orquevaux in France and IMAGO Artist Residency in Tsarimir, Bulgaria, I had the privilege of working with minimal art supplies, utilizing found objects and interacting with artists from around the world. These experiences expanded my creative horizons, allowing me to embrace new techniques and materials while shedding personal limitations. The bonds I formed with fellow artists continue to inspire and influence my work.
Collaboration has always been a significant part of my artistic practice. Recently, I had the honor of collaborating with an Asheville artist to present a dual exhibit exploring the healing power of forest therapy. I also contribute my works to the annual Spring Show of the Wilmington Art Association in NC, coinciding with the Azalea Festival. Additionally, I participated in a group show called "Localities" hosted by the local gallery SeeMe in Sofia, Bulgaria, where my month-long work culminated in a special exhibit.
Looking ahead, my artistic journey is leading me towards exploring more spiritual and ethereal themes. Living amidst the mountains of Tennessee has provided me with a fresh perspective on nature, reminding me of our inherent connection to it. Through pieces like "Liminal Space" and "Connecting with the Divine," I aim to help people rediscover the healing power of nature and nurture a deeper connection with ourselves, each other, and the natural world. As forest therapy guides often say, "the forest is the therapist, and the guide simply opens the door."