Interview with Leigh Witherell
“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.”
Edgar Degas
Painting in the melancholic style is a captivating and emotive genre that evokes a sense of sadness and introspection. This artistic approach often utilizes muted colors, somber tones, and shadowy imagery to convey a mood of melancholy and introspection. Artists who delve into this style explore themes such as loss, solitude, longing, and the transient nature of life. From the brushstrokes to the subject matter, every element in these paintings is carefully crafted to evoke a deep emotional response from the viewer. The melancholic style serves as a powerful medium for artists to express their innermost thoughts and feelings, creating a profound connection between the artwork and its audience. This is where award winning artist Leigh Witherell lives.
Her understanding of vulnerability is a powerful therapeutic tool that informs her artistic practice. She specializes in having the ability to show what is raw emotional response in her compositions. For Leigh, this process mirrors grief, a central experience in her life following the loss of her daughter Amanda in a tragic automobile accident in April 2021.
Art has long been recognized as a powerful form of therapy, enabling individuals to express and process complex emotions. Through melancholic compositions, artists delve into the depths of their souls, unveiling raw and authentic emotions. By embracing sadness, artists create a safe space to confront and release their inner turmoil. These compositions convey a profound sense of vulnerability and invite viewers to connect on a deeply emotional level. The brushstrokes, color palettes, and textures reflect the artist's state of mind, allowing for a cathartic experience. Art as therapy not only offers solace to the creator but also resonates with audiences, fostering empathy and understanding in a world where emotions are often suppressed.
Leigh creates art in observance of her daughter’s wishes and memory while also seeking to spark conversations that acknowledge the isolating process grieving parents must go through and how art is a powerful tool to reframe pain.
How has your time in Messejana, Portugal, influenced your approach to creating art, especially in the context of leaving your comfort zone?
My time in Messejana was central in teaching me to slow down and really focus on the canvas in front of me. I would traditionally rush through creating canvases to be productive, valuing quantity over quality. Being there and having that one canvas be all that I worked on was informative in that it taught me to critically look for the small details.
In what ways has your personal growth in Messejana been reflected in your recent artworks?
I believe that my growth is most reflected in the details of each piece. Since I have returned to my studio, I have been able to discard that production mentality and just focus on what is in front of me. That has been an artistic change that has been most impactful for me.
How have the people and culture of the small village influenced the subjects or themes in your art?
The village was amazing! The slowed down pace of life was so different from everything I had known. I come from a family of workers; the kind of people that really do not know how to be still. My husband is a very productive man as well, so I was always very accustomed to being busy. The people in Messejana value down time, the kind that rejuvenates the soul. I loved that so much that I am keeping that feeling of it’s okay to just be still.
Facing the challenges of living in a new environment, such as the absence of certain amenities, how have these experiences shaped your perspective on art and life?
It was very interesting to learn to live without certain things, like a car and a clothes dryer! But it also showed me that I can find my own solutions to what I need. I really believe that the United States is very accustomed to having easy solutions to life and that is harming our self-reliance. Being in another country for an entire month on my own made me believe in my own abilities to live without reliance on American conveniences.
How do you feel your art has evolved since embarking on this journey, especially in the context of dealing with personal loss and discovery?
I believe there is a sense of confidence that was never there before. Tackling such a huge canvas that represents an importance to many people was difficult and at times over-whelming. But when I finally stepped back to look at the finished canvas, I was proud, and that was a new feeling for me about my art. I never had the confidence to understand that not everyone can do these things and that revelation was life changing.
Your art is known for its emotional depth. Can you share how your personal experiences, particularly the loss of your daughter, have influenced the themes and emotions in your work?
The loss of our daughter has changed who I am at my core, which has been reflected in every canvas I paint. Our daughter was honest to a fault about herself, and I can now appreciate how important that is, especially when creating art. I live in an area that values commercial art over fine art, so many of the artists I know, and love produce work that doesn’t have any emotional connections. The tourists who buy most of the art in this area want pieces that look pretty above their sofa, not really pieces that convey emotions that may make them uncomfortable. I have struggled with this a lot before my residency because watching other artists selling art that they can make in an afternoon was disheartening. But since my return, I have come to understand that I had to answer the question of what kind of artist do I want to be, a commercial artist or a fine artist who starts conversations. I have chosen to start conversations and I now know that it is where I belong.
As an artist who values social connections, how do you balance the solitary nature of creating art with the need for social interaction?
I think most of us struggle with this and if you’re an extravert like me it is very difficult. My biggest change this year is becoming comfortable with silence. When I am in my studio, I don’t feel alone anymore. I feel my daughter, I feel my husband, my son, my daughter-in-law, and really everyone I know, and love is there too. I feel that way because I feel that this art is sparking important conversations that we care about, and sometimes this work requires solitude. But sometimes I just need to get out of my studio and just be with people because that is rejuvenating to me.
How do you envision your audience engaging with your art, and what do you hope they take away from it?
I love when my art makes a person stop and think. I want observers to find an emotional connection in the piece and for me it doesn’t need to be what I envision it would be. I find it so much more satisfying to hear what thoughts and emotions are being invoked without telling the observer what they should be feeling according to me, the artist. I do hope that most people see strength, hope and love in these pieces, but I never want to hide the grief, sadness and isolation that comes with what my family is still coping with since Amandas’ death.
How has your relationship with your husband, and the support you derive from it, influenced the themes of hope, understanding, and perseverance in your art?
My husband is my go-to man for an honest opinion. I have told him I never just want a “yes, that’s great”, I want him to tell me what he, as an observer, sees and would want to see. We have been married 35 years and we are each other’s person and best friend. The fact that we can survive the death of our first child when many couples do not is testimony to the value we place on our relationship. I joke with him that all artists throughout history have had patrons to support them in their journey, but I have no idea who those patrons are! He has said that he is happy to let my art be his voice too and that makes me love him even more. His support also helps me to keep forging ahead when the inevitable doubts that all artists have become too much in my head. I hope that people see us living this new reality together, as a unit, is hopeful that you can survive and live through this. We are not the same people as before her death and we are not the same couple either, but I believe we are stronger and more committed to each other and to our family now and I want people to see comfort in that.
What are some themes or ideas you are currently exploring or plan to explore in your future artworks?
I think most artists have multiple projects they work on, and I have three. There is rarely a time that you would only see one canvas in production in my studio. It’s nice to be able to step from one topic to a different one when I need a break.
I am actively in Phase 2 of The Invisibility Project which involves doing individual smaller canvases from the interviews. I pull from each interview what I hope is representative of the person and the composition evolves from there. I am curating a new show based on the big canvas and these and I hope to be able to get it shown around the world. The interviews will be with each canvas as a QR code so that the observer can listen to the subject.
I am also completely fascinated with the developing technology of AI. I read so many article about the fears people have over this new technology replacing humans and I thought what would it look like if AI keeps developing and becomes sentient? So, I have started a project that is tentatively called Sentience and I am looking at different scenarios involving just that question and I am researching different developers I hope to interview so that I can include those interviews with the art.
My other rabbit hole that I am down is around non-heteronormative relationships. I see so many people talking about this area in both positive and negative ways and I started wondering what type of conversation would be invoked if it was represented in art? So I am creating compositions to paint that explore this question and also creating relevant questions to ask interviewees. I have no idea what I will call this project, but I envision it having a very academic feeling to it.
I don’t want anyone to ever think I paint to shock, rather I want observers to understand that I paint to talk. I think I must walk a very careful path with this project because of its subject matter, but I also believe that artist should never shy away from the controversial and uncomfortable societal issues. I believe that we can visually represent so many ideas that hopefully will cause change in meaningful ways.
Arul
Grieving fathers often find themselves feeling lost and isolated in the midst of their grief. The loss of a child is an unimaginable pain, and fathers may experience a range of emotions that they struggle to express or understand. Society often expects men to be stoic and strong, which can make it difficult for them to seek support or share their feelings openly. They may feel isolated in their grief, as others may not fully comprehend the depth of their sorrow. Additionally, fathers may feel lost as they navigate a new reality without their child, grappling with a sense of purposelessness and struggling to find meaning in their lives. The combination of these factors can leave grieving fathers feeling disconnected, alone, and unsure of how to move forward.
Love
A gay relationship is a loving and committed partnership between two individuals of the same sex. It encompasses all the fundamental elements of any relationship, such as trust, communication, and support. Like any other relationship, it can be filled with joy, challenges, and personal growth. Gay relationships challenge societal norms and fight against discrimination and prejudice. They celebrate the freedom to love and be loved authentically, without fear of judgment. These relationships contribute to the diversity of love and are a testament to the resilience and strength of the LGBTQ+ community. They deserve the same recognition, rights, and acceptance as any other type of relationship.
Hushed
The death of an adult child is an unimaginable tragedy that no parent should ever have to endure. When faced with such a devastating loss, a mother is forced to navigate a labyrinth of emotions and find a way to process the unbearable pain that engulfs her. The word "hushed" aptly applies to this experience, as grief has a way of silencing even the most articulate of individuals. A mother finds herself enveloped in a muted existence, where the world around her seems to fade into a background of whispers. Her grief becomes a constant companion, hushing her once vibrant spirit and leaving her in a state of profound sadness. Every corner of her home is filled with the echoes of her child's absence, and the memories they shared can no longer be spoken aloud without the pain becoming overwhelming. As she struggles to make sense of the incomprehensible, her voice becomes hushed, her tears become silent, and her heart is left shattered in the silence.
The Artist: Self-Reflection
The death of an adult child is an unimaginable tragedy that no parent should ever have to endure. When faced with such a devastating loss, a mother is forced to navigate a labyrinth of emotions and find a way to process the unbearable pain that engulfs her. The word "hushed" aptly applies to this experience, as grief has a way of silencing even the most articulate of individuals. A mother finds herself enveloped in a muted existence, where the world around her seems to fade into a background of whispers. Her grief becomes a constant companion, hushing her once vibrant spirit and leaving her in a state of profound sadness. Every corner of her home is filled with the echoes of her child's absence, and the memories they shared can no longer be spoken aloud without the pain becoming overwhelming. As she struggles to make sense of the incomprehensible, her voice becomes hushed, her tears become silent, and her heart is left shattered in the silence.
Ghost of You
Painting the picture of my own deceased daughter has been an excruciatingly painful process, one that has brought forth a torrent of emotions that I thought I had buried deep within. As each brushstroke touches the canvas, memories of her vibrant smile, infectious laughter, and the warmth of her embrace flood my mind, only to be met with the harsh reality that she is no longer here. It is a painful reminder of the void that her absence has created in my life, a void that can never truly be filled. With each stroke, I am confronted with the painful truth that I will never see her grow, never witness the life she could have lived, and never have the chance to hold her again. The act of painting is a bittersweet dance between preserving her memory and reopening the wounds of her loss. Yet, in this pain, there is also solace. Through the strokes of my brush, I can capture the essence of her spirit, immortalize her in a way that allows her memory to live on. It is through the pain that I find a semblance of healing, as I pour my love and longing onto the canvas, creating a tribute to the daughter I can never forget.
Alli
As I stood before my canvas, brush in hand, I embarked on a daunting task - to paint a picture of my beloved, whose essence seemed as fragmented as the delicate pieces of Tiffany glass. With each stroke, I sought to capture the intricate beauty of their spirit, reflecting the myriad shades of their emotions. Like the scattered fragments of stained glass, their personality appeared in kaleidoscopic patterns, combining strength and vulnerability, joy and sorrow. Each brushstroke mirrored a piece of their soul, capturing the complexity and depth that lay within. As I blended hues and played with light, the image took shape, revealing the mosaic of their identity. In the end, the painting became a testament to their resilience and the way they embraced the fractures of their being, gracefully transforming them into a breathtaking work of art.
Eric
Painting my son, who is often described as an old soul, contemplative, and intelligent, is a truly captivating experience. As I carefully brush strokes onto the canvas, his depth of character shines through. His eyes, filled with wisdom beyond his years, seem to hold a universe of thoughts and emotions. The subtle lines on his forehead reveal the countless hours he spends pondering life's mysteries. Every stroke of paint captures his unique intelligence, as if his mind is a wellspring of knowledge and curiosity. It is through this art form that I can truly capture the essence of his soul, immortalizing his remarkable qualities for generations to appreciate and admire.
Sara
In the realm of artistry, there exists a captivating canvas that portrays the essence of a young woman who possesses an extraordinary blend of beauty, strength, independence, and fearlessness. With every brushstroke, her ethereal features come to life, emanating an undeniable radiance. Her flawless complexion, adorned with a delicate yet determined expression, reflects her inner strength, a force that cannot be easily subdued. The painting captures her piercing gaze, revealing an unwavering determination that mirrors her indomitable spirit. She stands tall, exuding an air of independence, as if the world is but a mere backdrop for her boundless potential. The artist skillfully depicts her fearless nature, with vibrant strokes that embody her adventurous soul. In this painting, she becomes an embodiment of inspiration, a reminder of the limitless possibilities that lie within a young woman who is beautiful, strong, independent, and fearless.
We are the Story
Painting a large canvas adorned with numerous figures is a powerful way to capture the depth of human emotions and the isolating experience of grieving. By incorporating interviews with grieving parents into the creative process, the artist can delve into the raw and intimate aspects of loss. Each brushstroke on the canvas becomes a testament to the pain and sorrow endured by these parents, reflecting their unique stories and capturing the essence of their emotions. The multitude of figures serves as a visual representation of the universal nature of grief, showcasing the shared experiences and collective suffering that accompanies the loss of a loved one. Through this artistic endeavor, the artist not only pays homage to the grieving parents but also creates a poignant portrayal of the isolation and emotional turmoil that encompasses the grieving process.
These interviews can be heard by visiting the artists’ non-profit website and clicking on Current Project: Phase 2 and choosing the first option The Project
