Meet The Artist: 5 Questions with Leah Guzman
In this interview, you'll learn more about Miami-based artist & art therapist Leah Guzman. Leah is one of the artists featured in our show "Take Flight", on view until December 15th. See the exhibition before it closes to enjoy eight original paintings by the artist.
Tell us about you! How long have you been an artist and what is your focus?
Tell us about you! How long have you been an artist and what is your focus?
I've been an artist all my life. Most of my life I was making the work for myself, just to play and explore. It was about 8 years ago that I decided to start showing up online and sharing my art with others to consume.
My focus is to continue to play and explore, however I have infused the concept of self-discovery. Hence, the name of my series of birds is called "Higher Self". It's infusing my art making practice as self-care. It also encompasses my work as an art therapist in supporting creatives to explore their feelings and share their gifts with the world.
How would you describe your style?
I would say my style is a mix of realism and abstract. I like fluid, expressive, patterned backgrounds and then play with a more focused detailed foreground of birds.
What kind of techniques and materials do you use in your work?
I like to use acrylic paint for the details of the birds and spray paint to create the backgrounds.
What kinds of birds appear in your work? What do they represent?
I love painting all types of beautiful winged creatures. Each one has a special message for us. I love to see which bird people are resonating with people.
Cardinals represent luck, manifestation, devotion, setting boundaries, loyalty, and domestic harmony. They can show up as messengers to give your encouragement to keep pushing towards your goal. It could also represent a loved one who has passed is there to comfort you.
Kingfishers are symbolic of freedom, courage, adventure, and balance. They have a free spirit with wanderlust running in their blood.They are associated with fertility and good fortune.
Crows are usually associated with death. However, they represent a time of transformation. They are symbolic of intelligence, cleverness, adaptability, teamwork and psychic abilities.
Warblers are telling us to focus our energy. Spend time on things that are valuable. It's time to share your gifts and be heard. This creature symbolizes the use of endurance and patience in manifesting your desires. How long are you willing to wait, or how far will you go to achieve your dreams?
Blue birds signify hope, love, beauty and spirituality. They are busy creatures associated with a positive look on life. They represent enjoying what you have in life instead of always wanting more.
Owls' symbolism include wisdom, intuition, supernatural power, independent thinking and observant listening.
Looking back at this year, what would you say was one of your biggest achievements in your art career? What are you looking forward to in 2023?
As I started showing up online sharing about my art, I also discussed art therapy and its benefits. I would say the biggest achievement has been supporting creatives in sharing their gifts in the world. My most fulfilled achievement has been able to combine my art therapy practice with my art practice. I've done this by writing a new book and oracle deck, The Art of Healing and Manifesting. I've created a thriving membership group called, Creative Soul Society, where as a community we create art together and a signature course, Art of Healing and Manifesting Program. I look forward to continuing supporting creatives so they can share their gifts with confidence. I'll be hosting many online gatherings in 2023 teaching techniques related to how to use art to heal and manifest your desires.