Leslie Graff holds Bachelor's and Master’s degrees from Brigham Young University. She spends her time working in acrylics and mixed media. While exploring a variety of series, her work is unified by a shared theme-- the complexity of human experience. It explores identity, relationships, connection, influence, and specifically the intangibles of thought and emotion. She is fascinated by personal narratives, interactions within culture, and the intimacy of the mind. She is most known for her domestic series and explorations of women. A bold palette and the use of discrete color characterize her pieces. She draws inspiration from midcentury illustration and is influenced by artists Wayne Thiebaud, and Coby Whitmore. Her work has been exhibited in group and solo shows across the country, including a dozen museums and is regularly seen in universities, and galleries. Her work is held in many private collections. Her work has been featured in many places, including Good Housekeeping, HGTV, a profile on Forbes.com, the Boston Globe, and featured on Inquiry on NPR. Leslie is currently on the faculty at the Danforth Art Museum School. She has taught creative arts in California, Utah, Massachusetts, and Virginia and lectures frequently. She is active in humanitarian work and is passionate about building opportunities for others. She lives in Sutton, MA with her husband and three sons.
ARTIST STATEMENT I love exploring the complexity of human experience. Creating art is a way of exploring the parts of life that are intangible and can’t be quantified. There is a unique intimacy of our thoughts and emotions, and a certain mystery to chemistry, desire, identity, and influence. I am fascinated by personal narratives, the stories of our lives. I believe everyone not only has a unique story, but also has specific talents and abilities and wisdom cumulated from their personal experiences. Each day we interact in relationships, those influences continually change us and evolve us. These are the thoughts that inspire and drive my work. I frequently use repeated or cumulating elements or depict seemingly mundane activities emphasizing that much of the meaning and richness of life is actually found in small or ordinary things. There are metaphors for our larger struggles embedded in many simple daily activities. I like to use a palette of confident, expressive colors. I draw inspiration from art nouveau and midcentury periodical illustration. My work is influenced by: Gustav Klimt, Hans Hofmann, Wayne Thiebaud, and Coby Whitmore.
