Charli Leniston: A Life of Art and Adventure
Born in Brooklyn in 1943 to a family of bakers, Charli Leniston‘s life has been marked by a relentless pursuit of artistic expression and a love of travel. After leaving the United States in 1968, she embarked on a decades-long journey across Europe, living in various countries and immersing herself in different cultures.
Leniston’s artistic journey is as diverse as her life experiences. She has explored a range of mediums, from painting and sculpture to pottery and mixed media. Her work is often inspired by the natural world and the human condition.
Throughout her career, Leniston has exhibited her work in galleries and exhibitions around the world. She has also taught art and shared her knowledge with aspiring artists.
In this exclusive interview, we delve into Charli’s inspiring story, exploring her artistic influences, creative process, and the profound impact of travel on her work..
Charli Leniston, welcome to CreativInn! Please tell us a bit about yourself and your artistic universe.
I left America when I was 24, with the intention of finding a job in Paris, despite having failed French class twice. I really wanted to learn French. About a month before my 80th birthday, I realized that the learning disability I had struggled with throughout my life was actually attention deficit disorder (ADD). This explained my lifelong need to explore and engage with the world around me, which naturally translates into my art. I started exploring my artistic interests later in life, after spending a decade working at my family’s bakery in Brooklyn. 24 years later, I left for London, already married, bought land in Corfu, Greece, and built a nightclub there, followed by a move to the “middle of nowhere,” Southwest France. Before that move, though, I needed to find some creative outlets, and clay became my first love. The Camden Institute in London was where my exploration began. I was fortunate enough to be allowed into the sculpture class, even though it was full.
Were you always interested in art growing up? What motivated you to become an artist and what has been the most touching moment you’ve experienced as a painter?
Growing up, I didn’t have any formal art training. However, I’ve always been drawn to creative expression. I think my most touching moment as an artist was a bittersweet experience. I was awarded “Most Promising Artist” for a piece titled “Feet of Clay,” which was a significant boost to my confidence. Shortly after, I was chosen to be the featured artist at a local art event. During this time, I was working on a piece I tentatively titled “Good Breast, Bad Breast.” Ironically, within a week of creating that piece, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. This experience deeply impacted my art and gave it a new layer of meaning.
Were there any early signs of your artistic talent, such as drawing, painting, or crafting?
Looking back, I can’t recall any early signs of artistic talent, at least not in the traditional sense. The only formal art experience I remember from childhood was a class at Coney Island day camp where we learned to cut linoleum blocks and print from them. It was a brief encounter, but perhaps it planted a seed of creativity that would blossom later in life.
How did growing up in a family of bakers shape your perspective on creativity and craftsmanship?
Growing up in a bakery environment certainly shaped my appreciation for craftsmanship. Witnessing my mother’s artistry in creating and decorating wedding cakes instilled in me an understanding of the importance of detail and the satisfaction of producing something beautiful and unique. While I don’t have a sweet tooth now, likely due to the constant exposure to pastries in my childhood, I learned to value the skill and dedication involved in creating something from scratch. However, I also observed how my mother, despite her talents, was limited in her opportunities to pursue her creative passions beyond the domestic sphere. This experience, I believe, has influenced my own artistic journey, as I have always sought to explore my creativity beyond traditional boundaries.
How has your extensive travel experience shaped your artistic vision and inspired your work?
My travels have profoundly shaped my artistic vision. Living in different countries exposed me to a wide range of cultures, people, and perspectives. This exposure has enriched my understanding of the human condition and provided me with a wealth of inspiration.
For example, I created a series of self-portraits titled “Has Beens,” each representing a different aspect of my personality. ‘Sunburn’ depicts a carefree, sun-drenched period in my life. ‘The Tycoon’ reflects an ambitious phase, a reminder of a failed attempt to franchise a tanning salon I opened in London. ‘Alone in Contemplation’ captures a moment of introspection, a reflection on the path not taken. These works reflect the diverse experiences and evolving self-perceptions I encountered during my travels.
Can you discuss the evolution of your artistic style, from your early experiments to your current body of work?
My artistic journey has been a constant evolution. I began exploring various mediums, but I’ve always been drawn to three-dimensional art. One of my early experiments involved creating a self-portrait sculpture, where my head was precariously balanced on three small steel posts. This piece symbolized several important aspects of myself: my struggles with attention deficit disorder, the impact of my breast cancer diagnosis, and my deep-seated need for balance in my life. I believe this early work reflects a key aspect of my artistic philosophy: the exploration of complex emotions and the search for harmony within myself and with the world around me.
Were you always interested in art growing up? What motivated you to become an artist and what has been the most touching moment you’ve experienced as a photographer?
I oozed inspiration my whole life. I became the archivist of my family and my children. Currently I have 13,178 photographs in my phone and thousands more printed in my closet. Photographs are my instant connection to the people and experiences I value the most.
My art expresses the depth and complexity of myself. The exploration and experiments of the effects of light, sound, coffee origins allow an inner-intelligence to come forth that I didn’t even know existed.
How has solitude and isolation influenced your creative process and mental well-being?
While I generally thrive on working independently, I initially struggled with maintaining focus and concentration. This led me to seek professional help through psychoanalysis, which proved to be a valuable experience. Through this process, I learned to recognize and address the patterns that were hindering my creativity. I began to develop techniques for finding inspiration and entering a more focused state of mind – a process I often compare to finding one’s way through a metaphorical maze. This journey of self-discovery has been crucial in honing my artistic practice and achieving a deeper level of creative expression.
How do you balance your artistic pursuits with other aspects of your life, such as teaching and travel?
Balancing art with other aspects of life has always been a dynamic process. Each time I settled in a new country, I found new ways to integrate art into my daily life. I taught art classes to children in Spain, even instructing a Saudi princess, and I also became a certified yoga teacher. These experiences enriched my life and provided a welcome contrast to my artistic pursuits.
However, life often presents unexpected challenges. After my husband passed away, I faced difficulties with my residency status in Spain. This unfortunate event, coupled with the loss of three of my largest artworks, presented significant obstacles. Despite these setbacks, I continued to find ways to express myself creatively, adapting to my changing circumstances.
Can you describe your typical workday as an artist? What is your creative process like?
My workday often begins around noon. I enter my studio, which is usually a bit chaotic, and allow myself to be guided by the energy of the space. I might start by simply responding to a particular color or texture, letting the marks I make on the canvas suggest new directions.
I approach painting with a sense of freedom and spontaneity. I’m not afraid of the blank canvas, and I embrace the unexpected. Memories, fantasies, and even abstract concepts – figures, flowers, birds, buildings – all swirl around in my mind, providing inspiration. I draw upon my love of maps, my fascination with color, and the unique experiences of my life.
My creative process is often about discovery. I explore different perspectives, allowing the colors and shapes to guide me. It’s a dynamic and ever-evolving process, where the art itself often dictates the direction.
What are your future goals and aspirations as an artist? Are there any specific projects or exhibitions you’re currently working on?
My primary goal is to find a gallery that truly appreciates my unique artistic vision. I’m not interested in conforming to a specific style or appealing to a particular market. I’m currently seeking a gallery that values my individuality and provides a platform for me to connect with a more discerning audience.
In terms of specific projects, I’m exploring new ways to incorporate found objects and natural materials into my work. I’m also interested in creating a series of large-scale installations that explore the concept of time and memory. I believe these projects will allow me to push my creative boundaries and further develop my artistic voice.
Thank you for taking the time to share your insights with us, Charli. Is there any final advice you’d like to offer to aspiring artists?
My advice to aspiring artists is to never underestimate your own creativity. Don’t let self-doubt hold you back. My own sister, who always believed she wasn’t artistic, recently discovered a passion for painting at the age of 71. She’s incredibly talented, particularly in her use of negative space, and has even sold several paintings at a local craft fair. This just goes to show that it’s never too late to explore your artistic potential.
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