Today we’d like to introduce you to Leon Willis.
Hi Leon, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Honestly, artistry is something I fell into. It was divine intervention. I had always thought of myself as a creative but it was something I did in my free time. It was a hobby, I never thought I could make a career out of it.
I was fortunate enough to meet some amazing people at a time in my life where I was unsure about my direction. They gave me opportunities to be creative and work on set, backstage, etc… I was able to find my voice and passion because of those opportunities.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road.
I’m not sure if it’s even possible to have a smooth road as an artist.
I’ve lived in many places, had opportunities that have come along where you think, this is it. I’ve finally got my big break and then had to recover from that not being the case. Pivot roles and change plans, some out of necessity and some out of new found understanding. The thing about finding your voice and yourself in your work is then you come to that fork in the road where you have to decide what kind of artist are you going to be. Are you willing to do anything to “make it”? are you willing to say no to things that go against your beliefs? Is what you create and the messaging behind it important to you?
As you progress new hurdles pop up and new questions arise that shape your career making the road rocky.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At the foundation of my work is a love letter to black women. The reason I’m here today and have been able to accomplish the things I’ve done. It’s about observing systems in place and creating work that starts, moves and builds on conversations about solutions through my makeup, my paintings and my writings. I don’t really compare myself to other artists to say what sets me apart. I think I just focus on doing what feels right and makes sense to me.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I post most of what I’m doing on Instagram so @_leewill
Or people can reach me at leonwillisart@gmail.com
Website leewill.art
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.leewill.art/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_leewill?igsh=MWZob243ZjY2ajB2cg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
