Today we’d like to introduce you to Leslie Hart
Hi Leslie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been an artist and have always had an art studio! But recently I decided to take up a studio in the historical Taylors Mill. My plan was to make art of course but I wanted to have workshops that would be art related as well as a social meeting place to collaborate with other members of our community. A place to hang out and socialize while you collage. I decided to create Collage Club Gvl which would be a series of workshops based on collage. My thought was that anyone can collage as long as you can cut with scissors and glue with a glue stick, you can collage! With that said each workshop is loosely based on self help projects like self portraits, vision boards, or handmade zines based on your general beliefs and ideas. In a way, CCG workshops are designed to jump start your creative juices in a social atmosphere. You don’t have to be an artist in order to come to a Collage Club Gvl Workshop! It is for anybody and everybody as long as you can cut and paste! I have a colossal collection of books, magazines, scrap papers, and painted papers to cut from. You don’t have to bring anything to the workshop, all materials are provided. CCG is also offered remotely. If you’re interested in having a collage workshop at your office, library, brewery, gallery, restaurant or festival, CCG is at your services. We have many workshops designed for large groups and can suggest the best workshop to suit your attendees. CCG is for anyone and everybody that can use a pair of scissors and a glue stick!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have always been a collector of papers and books and have never had a place to display them. Collecting them is easy but having a place to show and share was the problem. Getting a large studio that I can afford was the issue. Thankfully Taylors Studios was my answer. The rent is affordable and the atmosphere is perfect. The mill is raw and the studio is large with a very large window with natural light. I couldn’t ask for a better place to conduct CCG workshops! The waiting list for the studio was only a few months and the wait was worthy. There is so much character at the studio, it’s a cozy and creative atmosphere that lends to your imagination and wellbeing.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have always been a creative person, in my style and my work. I consider myself to be a mostly self taught artist as I did not finish my small town art school education. With that said, I am a mixed media collage artist. I like to throw it all in the pot, experiment, push and pull my materials. I study other artists, old and new and learn new processes, new materials, old materials. Essentially everything has been done before and all is new to me. Influenced mostly by Matisse, Picasso, Magritte and Dali I find myself leaning towards those basic techniques and ideas to simply make my art that makes me happy. I was born in Japan, army brat, but have lived my life here in Greenville, SC. As a young adult, I and some friends started a small local art group called the Art Bomb. The plan was to meet monthly and discuss art, like the famous artists used to do. We would meet, discuss our art and critique each others art. Then we started making plans for group shows in local galleries. Eventually the group went their separate ways but you can find us all still living in Greenville as an artist. Today, I am a mother of 2 girls and a wife to my best friend. I enjoy time in the studio with my girls or by myself creating mixed media collage art. We have a mid century home in Greenville and our lives are full with school and work. Our family hobby is camping in our restored pop up camper whenever we can get away.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
I believe that if you have a positive mindset you can make anything happen. Sometimes life can be difficult and harder than other times. But if you truly enjoy what you are doing and making, then you should be able to see it in your future and do it even if the road is bumpy. I feel like making my plans and having a goal was helpful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lesliehartstudio.my.canva.site/green-red-and-yellow-illustrative-meet-up-event-website
- Instagram: @collageclubgvl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/collageclubgvl
- Other: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/leslie-hart-studiocollage-club-gvl-9004502363
