“I draw inspiration from various sources because there truly is beauty and sensuality in every turn”.

Lee Anne Kryslin

Today we celebrate the artist Lee Anne Kryslin. I have always admired her work and have been following her for many years on Instagram. We were curious to learn what has shaped her into the artist she is today. Follow along and let her work transport you to a place of fantasy and sensuality.

EotB: What is your earliest memory of art? When did you begin painting?

LK: I used an ink brush to paint my grandmother’s expensive Persian rug when I was about four years old.  In my mind at the time, I was making it “pretty”.  But, she disagreed…. and I was in trouble.  So, my earliest memory of art is essentially one of sorry vandalism.  I’ve been happily making art since then (although, I’d also like to state for the record that this hasn’t involved any illegal activities akin to vandalizing my grandmother’s rug).

EotB: What inspires your romantic style of art?

LK: I draw inspiration from various sources, because there truly is beauty and sensuality in every turn.  This runs the gamut from reading E.E. Cummings’ poetry to listening to the Black Keys to, I’ll admit, watching generic rom-coms with my stereotypical glass of wine.  

EotB: When did you start the feminine symbolism in your painting?  

LK: I’ve always been preoccupied with the feminine form and its accompanying symbols.  This was present at the very beginning, and the psychology of it is probably rooted in my own projections and sociological imprinting as a female child. 

EotB: Do you write poetry on the canvas of your paintings or are they excerpts?

LK: I’ve written poetry behind my canvases on certain occasions, but it isn’t something I do very often.  Maybe it’s time for another poetry session, actually…

EotB: Who is your favorite artist/artists and why?

LK: It’s difficult for me to choose a favorite artist in the same way I can’t pick a favorite color- there are just too many wonderful options (and this is a good problem to have).  But, I find that Malcolm Liepke and Joe Sorren have particularly striking repertoires.  Their color palettes are beguiling, and they’ve really mastered flow and movement in depicting their subjects.  Despite the playful quality of their work, the themes also draw on something deeper.  I love that.  In my view, the integration of (1) aesthetics and (2) meaning is a compelling one.

EotB: What do you want people to feel when they see your paintings?

LK: I don’t expect everyone to approve of or even consider my artwork, and I’m actually quite shy about it.  But, when people are engaged with its themes, I think I’d really like for them to feel comfort that they aren’t alone, that there is a great deal of validity to their own private experiences regardless of what social strictures place pressure on them to fit a mold that may actually run counter to their nature.  I say this, because vulnerability is so often echoed in my interactions with others.  But, in my view, art offers reprieve.  It’s an equalizing force that can forge a connection between individuals who’ve been struck by a common catharsis.

EotB: Have you ever tried to speak to your audience through art and if so how has that process gone?

LK: Art is the conduit.  By this, I also operate from the notion that the utility of art is contingent on perception.  So, because perception is subjective and variable and that universalities fall short of nuance, my desire to speak to an audience is one that simply honors whatever it may evoke in them.  That alone is something I can enjoy.  Beyond that, though, I truly love the added benefit of making connections with others.  I always welcome thoughtful conversation regardless of artistic reception.

EotB: In the captions of some of your art on Instagram you reference dreams. (REM Cycle 147 and You Must Be So Tired After Everything I Did To You in My Dream Last Night) Do you frequently draw inspiration for your paintings from your dreams?

LK: I think there may have been a couple of times I drew inspiration directly from my dreams, sure.  But, I’m generally very open to different stimuli, so the premise of a given artwork can be expected to have various sources of inspiration fused together.  I’m not a particularly streamlined person in this regard, which is just another way of saying my mind is messy.

EotB: What is your favorite piece of art?

LK: I have many, but I’ll name two.  The first would be “Into the World there Came a Soul Called Ida” by Ivan Albright.  And, my second choice would be “The Garden of Earthly Delights” by Hieronymus Bosch.  Both of these explore dichotomous themes of pleasure and pain, functional value and obsolescence, and life and death.

EotB: When/where will you show your art next?

LK: I haven’t decided my next showcase.  It may be a while, especially given the upheavals centered on the pandemic.  But, I’m very happy with online platforms for now.

EotB: What other forms of art do you enjoy?

LK: Nearly everything in life carries a sort of artfulness to it.  I love ceramics, literature, music, even horticulture- everything, really.  I also especially love the culinary arts (because, for one, the process of crafting food is artful, and the subsequent benefit of feeding my belly is also quite artful.)

EotB: What activities do you enjoy that help refresh your creativity?

LK: I love looking after my plants, among many other activities.  I also have a Restoration Druid in World of Warcraft.  Because of how much I interact with floral forms in general, I don’t believe I’ll ever stop doodling flowers.

To see more more art from Lee Anne or to contact her, check out her Instagram page.