Escape

2021

As Leslie’s ability to travel vanished due to the pandemic, her focus on landscapes narrowed and she began to paint the colours of her immediate surroundings.

There is a lesser known beach, just barely within Leslie’s restricted area, that she frequented during lockdown. Leslie went there to escape the city, feelings of depression, and mundane and limited routine.

Escape is a body of work exploring this place, where Leslie found serenity and perspective.

She became captivated in her study of beach stones. Turning them round and round, finding the tiny crevasses of dark colour contrasting with the lighter surface. Her worried mind mellowed and she felt at ease amongst the warm and earthy colours.

Allowing herself to escape, Leslie’s mind opened up to some of life’s greater lessons. Including a renewed appreciation that even the smallest details offer inspiration and beauty.