CH.89: If you were to categorize or describe the style of your artwork, what would it be and why?
LEG: My work is predominantly digital illustration but if I had to describe the style I guess it’s quite minimalist in terms of limiting my color palette per piece, using negative space to suggest where objects start and end etc but this is very much something I have yet to decide for certain haha!
CH.89: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
LEG: Usually from everyday moments or objects. I find great joy in taking something simple like a plate of pasta and creating an illustration of it that captures the moment surrounding that meal. For example, one morning when I was sat having my coffee I decided to draw it. The image is very simple, just a spotty mug next to a cafetière but it’s become one of my favorite pieces and always takes me back to that morning coffee feeling whenever I look at it.
CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about what your creative thought process is like when starting a new project/ piece of artwork?
LEG: To be honest I don’t think about projects too much before I get stuck in because before I know it I’m doubting the whole idea. I find it best to jump in and adapt along the way.
CH.89: Is there anything in particular that you would want people to take from your artwork?
LEG: I always like to convey a sense of safety and comfort in my work somehow, whether through the colors, subject or message. Feels only right as it’s the way I feel when creating.
CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about your lifestyle as an artist and what that is like?
LEG: So 3 days a week my husband and I work at a gorgeous bakery by the beach here in WA called Knead which is run by our good friends. The rest of the week I am at home drawing away and coming up with new ideas. I love working at home, being able to cook nice lunches and watch endless criminology documentaries whilst I work. On the weekends we try to have time off together and we always go to church with friends on Sundays.
CH.89: When starting out an artistic task, do you think it is better to have a particular direction/set plan guiding your way? Or, is it better to act on impulse and go from there?
LEG: It depends on the piece but as I mentioned before I definitely find my best and most enjoyable projects begin with just jumping right into it. This way you can adjust your direction along the way if necessary and maintain a fun and organic journey.
CH.89: What is one major lesson you’ve learned as an artist thus far?
LEG: We all have completely different journeys as artists. Some get consistent work, some won’t get any for years and then suddenly be a huge success. So really, what I’ve learnt is just to keep plodding along doing what you enjoy most and your unique path will unfold before you.
CH.89: Do you regard personal style & taste to be of highest importance?
LEG: Definitely not highest importance, I believe we all have an innate personal taste inside all of us and if we are striving to find it we usually won’t. The only way I saw my own style evolving was when I committed to drawing everyday 2 years ago. I have continued to do so ever since and now I know that whatever I draw, it tends to resemble my other work.
CH.89: What do you consider to be the hardest thing about being an artist?
LEG: Probably not taking criticism personally. As an artist our work is very much a piece of us. Unlike if I was a mathematician & somebody marked my equation wrong, that is simple fact I can take onboard and move on.. when someone has something negative to say about a piece of art, this is very hard not to take to heart.
CH.89: What is one thing you love about being an artist?
LEG: I love that I simply get to do what I love everyday. Eventually I hope to grow my illustration work to be a full time job and then I really can say I do what I love for a living!
CH.89: Is there anyone in particular, any artist’s that inspire you in any way?
LEG: I will always love Matisse, his work is beautiful in itself but he inspires me too in that he never stopped creating even when it became difficult. He was unfortunately treated for cancer and stuck in a wheelchair later in life so he decided while he couldn’t continue with previous mediums, he would simply start working on cut out pieces instead. Nothing could stop him from producing art.
CH.89: What do you think of technology in terms of being a useful tool for artists today?
LEG: I am very grateful for technology and the role it plays in the art industry today. Personally, when we first went into lockdown March of 2020 my illustration work turned almost entirely digital due to not having many resources readily available and also working with more people via the internet. That being said, I believe strongly in remembering your roots, the mediums you grew up feeling drawn to shouldn’t be forgotten. One way to stay in touch with how you started out is to carve out time regularly to practice those old mediums. For example I just painted a large piece for our living room that brought me so much joy.
CH.89: Do you think being an artist allows you to view the world differently from those who don’t follow creative paths?
LEG: I think naturally artists will look at the world through a lens of ‘how can I pay tribute’ to it. For example, one evening we had Eli’s brother and sister in law over for dinner and games. Mid way through eating I had to stop everyone because I realized how great of a drawing the table spread would be and took a photo for later reference. Silly story but it shows that when my husband was simply enjoying the conversation, somewhere in my brain I was planning a new piece which is still yet to be drawn haha.
CH.89: Do you enjoy traveling? If so, do you have a favorite city?
LEG: I love travelling! A favorite city is so hard though, usually a city isn’t my favorite part of visiting a country, like on our honeymoon in Greece we spent about 2 days in Athens but the best bit was hopping round the exquisite islands! I think I’ll just have to say my hometown of Norwich, I miss it’s atmosphere, the people, how creative it is, the architecture, history etc etc and can’t wait to one day be back living there with our future family.
CH.89: Do you have a favorite author or book?
LEG: My favorite book has to be The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, it’s so visually written with so much emphasis on describing color and taste. I really recommend it.
CH.89: Any future goals or plans for your artwork?
LEG: I definitely plan to seek more book illustrating opportunities, my last one was How to Keep House While Drowning by KC Davis and I enjoyed working on it so so much! I am also keen to get more items available on my website to sell such as affirmation poster gift packs to boost confidence, more prints and maybe even pottery.
CH.89: What does being an artist mean to you?
LEG: It really means everything to me to actually make this into a job. It feels like I’m making younger me proud every day.
CH.89: What’s the last song you listened to?
LEG: I believe it was Blame by Gabriels – beautiful song!
CH.89: Any last words on the aesthetic of your artwork?
LEG: I just feel grateful to be in this community and I hope that others find as much comfort in my work as I find in creating it.
CHAPTER89 