Why do artists find abstraction so compelling? Perhaps those painters look at the world as shapes, colors, textures, and not so much as things and narratives. The longer one looks at a thing, the more it becomes nonrepresentational. Lucien Freud (British painter and grandson of the famous Sigmund) adds, “The longer you look at an object, the more abstract it becomes, and ironically, the more real.”
That concept might be a two-fisted head-scratcher for many. But one of your neighbors, illustrious painter of the Plateau, Leslie Jeffery, delightedly lives in an abstract world, and she welcomes you to make an appointment to visit her studio/gallery in Highlands (May-October) to experience it. Watch her dive into paint on a giant canvas as though it were a daily swim, call or text (727) 743-1130 to visit.
If visiting Leslie’s studio and gallery isn’t on your immediate horizon, experience her works currently at the Highlands Performing Arts Center (large paintings); 4118 Kitchen + Bar; The Bascom gift shop (smaller pieces); and the Highlands-Cashiers Art League Summer and Fall Colors Shows (all sizes).
Leslie spends half her life in the mountains and the other half in Florida. She is absorbed and inspired by coastal scenery and wildlife in winter/spring, and the Plateau’s gardens (her dahlias and hydrangeas largely), creatures (birds, crows, cats, and more), and forests in summer/fall.
This year she was selected for the Art League of Highlands-Cashiers Board of Directors. Her grandmother, a talented and dedicated artist helped launch Leslie’s art career. Like her grand, Leslie’s a worker bee. Even though she’s a bit past 80, she exceeds most folks in her circle. She’s a high-powered member of the Board and the League will be buzzing with her board contribution.
If you are familiar with Leslie’s style, you may have noticed this year’s shift toward high-color (saturated pigment). There will be plenty of dazzling new works to consider for your home. Bright colors await! Treat yourself to a sizzling, colorful summer.
Here is a closing quote that is in keeping with Leslie’s values and philosophy: “Abstract art was the equivalent of poetic expression. I didn’t need to use words, but colors and lines. I didn’t need to belong to a language-oriented culture, but to an open form of expression” – Etel Adnan
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