Story & Lesson Highlights with Leslie Berry

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Leslie Berry. Check out our conversation below.

Leslie, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
I think the “right now” component of this question is key. Even as a retiree, my days can shift from remarkably static to invigorating to chaotic in no time at all. I told someone recently that I felt I was in a game of “Whac-A-Mole”! So while I will spend hours rebuilding my web site, make it to a plein air outing, then sort out my home and auto insurance, I will find time to walk the dog, clean my house, and drive 30 miles to see a health care provider. Not exactly a normal day, but close. The big payoff is when I paint, whether plein air or in my studio – all that chaos fades to black.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Leslie Berry, retired graphic designer and illustrator, who is focused exclusively on my fine art. I now have the time and freedom to devote entirely to my passion – painting in watercolor and oil. It’s been a long journey getting to this point. And what makes my story interesting? I don’t know. I wonder how many artists struggle to find a niche, to find community. or to make a living from their art. I found a way to live as an artist commercially. It never yielded much in the way of income, but I enjoyed the work, and more importantly, the energy, talent and diversity of the people I worked with. We all had aspirations as creatives. And many of my co-workers in these environments went on to reach and exceed their dreams. I see myself as fulfilling my potential, too. Happily, I enjoy the support and community of artists where I live.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Clearly, it was Mrs. Wolcott, my fourth grade teacher. We were assigned to pick a book we liked and draw something from it. I did a drawing from a book I dearly loved, “Paddle-to-the-Sea,” by Holling Clancy Holling. Mrs. Wolcott raved about my work and said that I might want to be an illustrator some day! I was over the top – I could maybe do that. But I told her I wanted to be a rider. She thought I said “writer.” But no, I wanted to ride horses for a living.

In sixth grade Mrs. Jacoby pulled me aside one day. I think I was in trouble for fighting with a boy on the playground, She told me I could be a leader. I had no idea why she thought that. Despite fighting with Dru I was still a very shy person! I wished I had asked her to expand on that idea! And of course, seventh grade was like hell on earth for me so what was she thinking.

What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
My first struggle started early in my life – 13 months after I was born to be precise. My twin sisters were born and effectively stole all the attention away from me. I wound up being shy, and suffered from depression and separation anxiety. How did I cope? I found a certain acceptance as the kid in school who could draw really well, I loved to read and did well academically. I set up challenges for myself to test my independence as a teenager, and I “healed,” ultimately because I had a loving and supportive family environment.

The other wounds in my life have stemmed from my relationships with the opposite sex. I really could write a book on this topic, but for the sake of brevity, I’ll focus on my last marriage. It was a 16 year marriage that started with the love-bombing, then mixed messages and even toward the end declaring that I was “the one” after his 3 other marriages. The final blow levelled at me – “You changed…” A week after I moved out a woman moved into our house. There was some betrayal here. Internally I was a hot mess. Outwardly I was trying to start a life on my own. It was 2-3 years before I ever felt at peace with myself. To heal I did a lot of things – I swam laps at the local rec center, I journaled, meditated, stayed connected to my art, found a great therapist, and I rescued a beautiful little Chiweenie. I had a friend and sisters to talk to, and a daughter (light of my life) who was there for me. I took a lot of measures to heal, to start over, but friends and loved ones helped throughout the process. They say that trauma is transformative. I believe that is true – you are never the same after a traumatic life event. It is possible to re-invent yourself – to rise from the ashes. I know because I am in a far better place now.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
The First Amendment which protects freedom of speech, freedom of the press, assembly, and the right to petition the g0vernment, is being systematically violated on a daily basis. Institutions that have shaped our democracy are being openly and covertly dismantled. I truly fear for our country, so I am asking “What can I do for my country?” What will it take to stop the onslaught? I don’t know, but I do know that I am not alone in my thinking. Like many others I am ready to take a stand and join forces.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. How do you know when you’re out of your depth?
I know when I’m out of my depth whenever I encounter people who excel in math – folks who have succeeded in solving differential equations or in mapping the fourth dimension. I have a good friend who is a polymath. She is a wonderful artist and sculptor who has a degree in physics, among others. So basically, exceedingly smart people can render me out of my depth, but typically, if there is an art connection I am in a “comfort zone,”

It was clear to me that I was out of my depth when I took on WordPress to rebuild my web site. I tried several approaches, but starting a site from scratch and enlisting the help of an AI Assistant put me on the right path. We work quite well together and I am nearly finished! Who knew a robot could so effectively flatten such a steep learning curve!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://leslieberryfineart.com
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/leslieb8605
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/leslie.berry.54