Leslie Butterfield

Leslie Butterfield

I am a tactile person, drawn to a variety of media including paint, paper, feathers, shells, glass, and clay. Several times each week I kayak on Sarasota Bay where my encounters with nature and the environment influence my work. Even when traveling, themes from the outdoors show up in my paintings and collages. While I am sensitive to our culture and to what is happening in the world, I am inclined to put aside my negative emotions and allow the beauty of the world around me to become the subject of my art.

I am trained as a textile designer and studied art history and aesthetics in grad school, yet today I am a visual artist, constantly seeking a balance between my design sensibilities and my desire to express my feelings freely. Tactile elements always show up and I cannot help but add layers to my work whether as color or materials. Each project is a joy to me and I hope to bring a smile to others when they see my work.