Artist Spotlight: Leah Duncan

Photos courtesy of Leah Duncan

The Appalachian Preservation Project is excited to present Leah Duncan as this week’s Artist Spotlight.

How long have you been illustrating?

I began my professional career as a graphic designer. I worked in the art department for a screen-printer and my co-workers were two surfer guys who were amazing at drawing and illustrating. Despite my innate talent for design, compared to them my ability to draw was, let’s say, much more abstract art school. They encouraged me to draw for 15 minutes a day and for the most part I have although my abstract art school still shines much more than my technical ability. I’m also incredibly impatient so keeping my work on the simpler side saves my sanity.

What drew you to working with textiles?

I fell in love with pattern. I fell in love with creating art that repeats. So textiles became the perfect fit for my work.

Why did you begin pursuing art professionally?

I would have been so mad at myself if I hadn’t tried. I just knew to wake up and be happy each day I had to have a creative career where I could set my own terms. Everything else was a waste of time to me.

What is the most challenging part of creating? The most rewarding part?

I’m very hard on myself. I’m very critical. Sometimes I have to take a step back and tell my boss (myself) to just be kinder.

The most rewarding part is hearing from people that my work has brightened their day in some way or that they can relate to it. It’s so special to me that people actually connect with it.

What artists inspire you the most?

Anni Albers, Vera Neumann, Lucienne Day, Sonia Delaunay, Evelyn Ackerman, Ray Eames, Eric Carle, Josef Frank, Gunta Stolzl

What life experiences inform your art?

Becoming a mom and experiencing the intense love I have for my kids. Spending time in nature. Living in Austin early in my career and experiencing the southwestern landscape. Being mostly self-taught because I never learned or unlearned any rules. Being that shy, creative, awkward kid. Being female. Being from a small southern town. When people ask me how long it takes me to make something I say my whole life because my whole life - every moment, every experience has shaped who I am as a person, designer, and artist.

How do you hope your art impacts people?

I hope it makes them smile. I hope it helps bring some beauty into their world. Maybe some stillness from the chaos.

What has been the most personally impactful moment in your career so far?

I think being a fabric designer was my biggest dream. Having one of my kids say that I’m cool and they like my work is tops too.

Who or what inspires you most?

My children, nature, small moments in life, color, silence and space to think, an unyielding need to make.

See more of Leah on her website!