Leigh Witherell- Hidden wounds

Artist Statement

As an artist, my work delves into the multifaceted and often contradictory emotions that define intimacy in its many forms. My compositions capture the myriad of human experiences, portraying loving relationships, the depths of loneliness, the shadows of depression, the lightness of laughter, and moments of deep contemplation. Through my pieces, I aim to reveal the raw emotions that are intrinsic to the human condition.
My subject matter is drawn from the world around me. I find inspiration in interesting articles from the news, captivating stories in podcasts, scholarly journals, and the everyday conversations that surround us. Each source offers a unique perspective on life and human interaction, feeding into the rich tapestry of emotions that I strive to portray.

What draws me to a particular scene is its ability to speak to the essence of life itself. I am captivated by compositions that convey a story or a feeling that resonates on a deeper level, reflecting the beauty, complexity, and sometimes the stark realities of the human experience.

My fascination lies in the rawness of the human experience—the emotions and truths we often hide from the world. It’s this authenticity, this unfiltered emotionality, that I seek to capture and share through my work.

In terms of technique, I am primarily an acrylic artist who uses modern technology as my sketchbook. This allows me to explore and refine my ideas before committing them to canvas. Recently, I have expanded my portfolio to include mixed media prints, further pushing the boundaries of my creative expression. By blending traditional and contemporary methods, I create unique, thought-provoking pieces that invite viewers to explore the depths of their own emotions and connections.

Through my art, I invite you to experience the raw, unspoken truths of what it means to be human.

Artist Biography

Leigh Witherell, born in Denver City Texas in 1969 is a name resonating deeply within the world of contemporary art, brings a unique blend of heartfelt emotion and perceptive insight to every canvas. Born in the expansive plains of Texas, Leigh’s early life was steeped in the simplicity and warmth of small-town living. Despite the lack of material wealth, her loving, close-knit extended family instilled in her the value of creativity—a quality she would harness throughout her artistic journey.
Leigh’s artistic aspirations blossomed during her university years. With a BA in English, an MA in Literature, and a Minor in Fine Art, her academic background might suggest a predilection for the literary arts. However, it was here that she discovered art as a visual conversation, one that she eagerly sought to dive into, realizing the plethora of stories she longed to express.

While Leigh’s family had modest ties to the arts, she carved her own path, initially working as an instructor at a local college and dedicating time to motherhood. A relocation to Florida became a pivotal moment in her life, prompting her to slow down and reevaluate. This shift endowed her with the space to reconnect with her artistic passions, affirming the medium of art as her true calling.

Leigh’s work is fundamentally inspired by the figurative impressionist style, a choice that aligns seamlessly with her desire to evoke raw, honest emotions. Her focus on figurative art, rather than portraits, grants her the liberty to capture the essence of her subjects, presenting the human form in its most relatable and poignant light. Utilizing technology as a modern sketchbook, Leigh distills her creative process down to what really matters: the human connection and the emotions that exist “in between the words.”

Her process of developing a unique technique was a journey of exploration, marked by the organic convergence of varied styles that ultimately felt most authentic to her artistic voice. This authenticity translates into her ability to coax out narratives that often remain silent, portraying individuals through their stories rather than their outward appearances.

Leigh’s projects are often steeped in deep emotion and societal commentary. Her work with grieving parents, while emotionally taxing, is particularly meaningful, offering both solace and expression in turbulent times. Simultaneously, she remains vigilant to the pulse of current events, reimagining classic Impressionist pieces in a modern context, thus anchoring her work in both timeless themes and contemporary discourse.

With her diverse body of work, Leigh has garnered recognition and honor across multiple platforms, including Contemporary Art Curator Magazine’s Future Global Artist Award, multiple features in Artist Talk Magazine, and exhibitions at the Orlando Museum of Modern Art, to name a few. Though her work continues to grace numerous galleries, significant collectors have yet to laud it—a reality she approaches as a challenge rather than an obstacle.

Leigh Witherell’s art goes beyond the mere aesthetic; it strives to ignite conversations and invoke reflection, aligning seamlessly with her belief in art’s educational role in society. Through her oeuvre, she seeks to engage audiences worldwide, transforming galleries into spaces of discussion and introspection. Though her journey as an artist continues to evolve, her ultimate goal remains: to see her art exhibited in the grandest facilities across the globe, thereby reaching diverse audiences and fostering dialogue through the powerful language of imagery.