Leslie Rottner is a self taught mixed media collage artist, maker of natural art brushes, and instructor. She works primarily in collage but crosses over to mixed media as the two work so well together. As a self taught artist, she uses an intuitive and thoughtful approach to transform often overlooked materials into a new visual story. Her collage work is created with vintage papers, old books, type, and ephemera. She draws inspiration from the age and imperfections of these materials and creates art with a fresh contemporary feel. Her work ranges from simple and contemplative to abstract and energetic.
Leslie is passionate about repurposing and upcycling which is how she started creating art brushes. It happened by chance and has flourished into an important part of her art practice. She uses found sticks for the handles and has developed a passion for the natural beauty of a piece of wood. She uses repurposed vintage paint brushes, brooms and feathers to make the brush tops creating rustic and imperfect marks. The brushes are functional as well as beautiful.
Teaching others how to create has become a wonderful by-product of creating art and Leslie teaches online as well as in person classes.
Leslie currently lives in Lake Placid, NY surrounded by the natural beauty of the Adirondack Mountains.
What does mixed media art mean to you?
I find the term mixed media so liberating because I have trouble staying in one lane. To me mixed media means anything goes…if I think it might work then I will try it. I also believe it offers the viewer a rich and interesting experience forcing them to come close to see what is happening in a piece.
How long have you been a mixed media artist?
I started working in collage first about 18 years ago but have since incorporated my collage work and other mediums. Paper has always been my true love and I find it so exciting to combine paper and other mediums as they work so well together. I also enjoy using my black and white photographs in my work.
How has art impacted or enhanced your life?
As far back as I can remember I have been a maker. I have always been fulfilled by creating and have tried many many things in my lifetime. Some stick and others fall to the wayside. I have come to realize that the creative interests I have had over the years, that I loved, have come full circle and I use that knowledge in the work I do now. As an overthinker/worrier my life
is enhanced everyday that I can make art because it allows me to stop thinking and become at peace with the process. I can’t see my life any other way.
Tell us about your creative process.
I don’t have a particular process per se but I just show up. If I am working on a particular piece or project I work on that but if not I just show up and see what speaks to me. At the very least I start working on something small that doesn’t require much thought or attention to detail.
What inspires you?
It sounds cliche but absolutely everything inspires me. I live in Lake Placid NY and it is such a beautiful area. I am inspired by nature all the time and the colors here are definitely my color palette. I have so many moments where I see something and it sparks a thought and in no time I’m trying to create from that tiny spark. I am also inspired by vintage and worn things. I enjoy combining old and new. Most of my artwork is created that way using vintage materials in a contemporary way.
What do you do when faced with a creative block or rut?
I used to be concerned about this when it would happen but I have realized that usually means I need to take a break or step away. It recently happened to me after coming home from a trip. For several weeks I couldn’t get into the groove so I would just show up in my studio space until I felt the motivation. I find it is very helpful to step away and come back with fresh eyes.
What are a few of the mixed media art supplies you find yourself returning to?
We all love our art supplies but I would have to start with paper. I love old vintage papers but I also make my own collage paper. I also love adding pencil, ink, art graf, and of course paint. I have recently started using pastels and charcoal. Oh, matte medium is something I can’t live without.
Who are some of your favorite mixed media artists?
This is always such a hard question to answer and the list would be so long. I am inspired by mixed media artists, fiber artists, wood workers, photographers, vintage curators, basket weavers, to name a few. I’m not dodging the answer but you can see it would be a monumental task to list all the creative people who inspire me on a regular basis. What I really love is finding a new artist doing something I have never thought of and taking a deep dive into their work.
Where would you like to go with your art? What are your goals?
One of my goals is to always stay open and curious about my work. I am always trying to grow and push myself as an artist and for me that has always been important. Another is to continue to make as much art as I can for as long as I am able. I will be 68 this year and I feel that I never want to stop doing this. I am quite sure that creating art has significantly changed my life in profound ways. Ultimately my goals are simply to do better this year than last year in all areas of my art practice.
Aside from art, what makes you giddy in life?
I would have to say my immediate and extended family. They are everything to me and my greatest cheerleaders. After that I love a good stick! I am also a brush maker and finding cool pieces of wood to make into mark making tools is thrilling!
Where can we find you?
Website — leslierottnerart.com
Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/leslierottnerart/
