Today we’d like to introduce you to Leah Walther.
Hi Leah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
While I’ve dabbled in all things creative my whole life (singing, acting, crafts, etc.), I started to really find my love for paint in college during a scenic painting class. I pursued theatrical scenic art and design for a while after college but fell away from painting after starting a family. I worked in the corporate world after the birth of my daughter and quickly learned that is not where I’m supposed to be!
Three years later, my son was born. The birth was traumatic and the experience left me lost. The only way I started to put myself back together was after I started painting again! I started with art therapy; painting what I was going through, painting my PTSD, my anxiety, and my traumatic flashbacks. I noticed that I was expressing many emotions through flowers in my art, which is not something you typically associate with trauma and have now blossomed to where I am today. I am still learning a lot!
I enjoy learning new techniques and mediums and bouncing around different art forms. Once I realized other people were enjoying my artwork, I started painting different subjects and participating in pop-up shows. I just recently launched my website and am hoping to continue growing in my art for years to come! I truly feel like I am myself when I am creating and am so thankful to be able to paint every day!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Most of my artwork, especially in the beginning, stemmed from my traumatic experience. This makes it very personal. It’s extremely difficult to be so vulnerable with something and put it out in the world. Imposter syndrome is definitely very real and very powerful. But I always try to remember that I started this for myself, and if other people enjoy it or get something out of it, that is simply a bonus!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I enjoy painting with watercolor and acrylics. I am known for constantly painting flowers, especially very bold and colorful floral pieces with lots of movement. My portfolio ranges from abstract to realistic flowers, with a few animals and other subjects sprinkled in. I am mostly self-taught and have no formal “art training” but I enjoy exploring new techniques and subjects, so you never know what my next painting will be! I am proud that I have been able to reach people through my art that I never would have met otherwise. I have brought comfort and community to women who have been through similar life experiences as myself and that is the most rewarding part of this journey.
How do you think about luck?
I wouldn’t say it is luck. I believe God put people and experiences in my life for a reason. I am very blessed to have wonderful friends who are supportive and happen to also be artists. I was just starting to get back into painting when my best friend (who is a successful artist herself) suggested me for a solo show in Round Rock. In one month, I threw together a whole gallery and was able to show off my favorite pieces in a setting that was all about me. Experiences like that are hard to come by in the art world. That night truly kick-started my journey, brought some amazing new people into my life, and allowed me to be where I am today.
Contact Info:
- Email: leahwaltherart@gmail.com
- Website: www.lmwcreations.com
- Instagram: @leahwalther_art
