We’re looking forward to introducing you to Leslie Kell. Check out our conversation below.
Leslie, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What are you chasing, and what would happen if you stopped?
I’m chasing the elusive image in my head—the one where all the elements align like cosmic tumblers. If I stopped, I’d lose the language I use to make sense of the world. Creating isn’t a choice; it’s how I stay connected, grounded, and fully alive. Besides, the finish line keeps moving, so I’m in no danger of stopping.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Leslie Kell, a lens-based artist and designer with a background in painting, illustration, and graphic design. Over the past three decades, I’ve developed a unique visual language that merges photography with digital media to explore layered perceptions of memory, light, and place.
My work constructs immersive compositions where architecture, nature, and abstraction converge—spaces that feel both familiar and dreamlike. I’m drawn to light as both subject and metaphor, using it to reveal, obscure, and transform. Each piece is a constructed moment that invites quiet reflection and a sense of recognition, like a place just at the edge of memory.
I often pair visual imagery with original poetry, weaving together emotional and conceptual threads to deepen the experience. My pieces are designed to unfold over time, offering new insights with each viewing. I believe that the more you look, the more you see.
Currently, I’m working on a new video art collection set to release this fall. This series expands my practice into motion, allowing time, rhythm, and light to further enhance the layered journey that defines my work.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
My dad. He led by example—showing up early, staying curious, and taking pride in doing things well. His steady dedication and perseverance shaped how I approach my own work: with commitment, integrity, and the belief that showing up, day after day, is what really matters.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me to listen deeply—to my body, my intuition, and my limits. It taught me the power of advocating for my health, even when it’s uncomfortable. Unlike success, which can mask imbalance, suffering revealed what truly matters: resilience, clarity, and the courage to protect well-being.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Authenticity. Everyone sees the world through a different lens, and that diversity is vital. I believe in protecting creative freedom and honoring the integrity of the process and staying true to your message.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What will you regret not doing?
Traveling more. Experiencing new landscapes, cultures, and rhythms opens my perspective and feeds my creative spirit. I regret every chance I’ve passed up to wander, to see with fresh eyes, and to feel connected to places beyond my own. Travel reminds us how big—and beautifully varied—the world is.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://lesliekell.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesliekell/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leslie.kell/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/KellCreative/videos
Image Credits
Headshot by Kelly Zhu
