Hello world!

My name is Lesley Williams and I’m a sculptor and fine artist.

It hasn’t been easy to say those few words, that I’m an artist because I’ve never had the chance to really dedicate myself to my art. But, deep down in my soul there’s this creative being who wants to share something special with those around the world, and that’s the artist in me. So I would like to share a little bit about being an artist.

After my marriage broke down I went back to College and started studying 3D design, drawing and watercolor painting. It was very therapeutic and helped me process a lot of emotions but it showed me ways of finding my inner artist. It was time to get in touch with that artist and now I’m starting that artistic journey all over again.

I’d like to share several of my works that were created as a student at Pikes Peak Community College, a place where I was told by the Fine Arts Chair – “Lesley, you’re the real deal, you’re a talented and promising artist and sculptor.” I really needed that encouragement from a professional who validated my art, and validated me.

My daughter Mary was my inspiration and she lovingly sat for me as my subject several times with my large portrait and ceramic sculpture. Although, one of my favorite achievements was when I worked with my 3D Design classmate, Dustin Cunningham. The challenge was to take a famous artist’s 2D painting and create a 3D version. I presented some designs to Dustin and we settled on Kandinsky and a geometric abstract as the artwork we would use to create our homage. After presenting our prototype the President of Pikes Peak Community College sent the welding department faculty over to measure our prototype and they started work on its creation as a public sculpture outside the PPCC Downtown Art Studio Campus. When I saw it assembled I realized we had been published!

REFLECTIONS:

When I think back at that trying time in 2013/14 I can remember the emotional turmoil after my divorce but I knew I had to keep putting one foot in front of the other and just keep moving. That’s key when you find your world upside down and your planned future has fallen away leaving an empty and lonely reality. Yet, at that time, I had a purpose, a purpose created through attending Pikes Peak Community College and completing every task and challenge required of me.

We all need purpose, we need goals and a reason to live life, but when the living is painful sometimes you want to just give up. My beautiful daughter was my constant reminder of why I couldn’t, and wouldn’t, give up on my artwork or myself. I found something I could do that brought me immense joy and I wanted to share that. My purpose is to bring joy through the therapeutic effects of creating art, and by sharing it with others, and as I grow as an artist I hope to share my impressions, ideas, artistic philosophies, and life with you.

I hope you find joy in whatever you have decided to do.