ABOUT LESLIE BARLOW

My artwork is made up of large-scale figurative oil paintings. I am in the process of experimenting with creating smaller works that reflect the same attitude and passion of my larger pieces.

My current body of work investigates the obsession with sexualization and attractiveness in American culture, and how this influences gender roles and stereotypes. There is ambiguity and tension in my paintings, and this in junction with my bold, colorful painting style begs the viewer to be drawn into the work. I intend the viewer to see the relationships of the figures in my paintings and to compose a narrative that suggests isolation, wonder and confusion, and sexuality. From this, inevitably the audience’s own insecurities and knowledge about gender roles and society will surface when confronted with my work. I take a lot of influences from pop-culture, art history, relationships, and other related sources. Overall, the conversations and narratives that can be drawn from my paintings are definitely my favorite part about being an artist.

Currently I live in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. I have a studio space that I work in at The Fallout artist co-op and I am the PR and Strategic Communications intern at The Soap Factory contemporary art gallery, both of which are also located in Minneapolis.

A JACK INTERVIEW WITH LESLIE BARLOW

What was your first experience with art?

My parents enrolled me in the children's art classes at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts at a very early age- right around the time that I told them I wanted to be an artist, an astronaut, a teacher, a veterinarian, a McDonald's owner, a ballerina...

What is your favorite medium & why?

Definitely oil paint. I absolutely love the long drying time and the vibrancy in the color of the paint. I do also love to draw a lot, the immediacy of the medium and the strong intent of a drawing mark is quite beautiful. I've never been a fan of acrylic paint- but maybe I just haven't learned how to use it to my advantage yet?

Have you always been an artist or is this a career change?

Ever since I went to college for art I knew that being a full time artist was something I really wanted to pursue.

Have you ever taken classes/courses?

Yes- and I have a BFA in studio art to prove it! woo hoo!

Art programs are being cut all over the nation in schools - what's your opinion on this?

It's pretty unfortunate and definitely hits home for me. I went to an elementary school that focused on the arts (visual and performing) and incorporated it into every day curriculum. It was closed a few short years after I moved on to middle school and turned into apartments. It's a very sad thing because so many talented, amazing artists emerged from that school who might have otherwise not known that they had a gift for art or interest at such an early age. Art in schools gives you the variety to really explore what you are capable of, and without it I may not have chosen the path that I am on today. And sometimes kids just need to let out some steam in a crazy crayola drawing- really!

Where is your favorite place to create?

In my studio, where I can be away from every distraction. And I do get easily distracted

Which comes first - the inspiration or the medium?

Inspiration first. Always. The inspiration dictates the medium.

Do you have a favorite piece you've done?

I'm pretty attached to all of them. It's curious though that usually my favorite is always the last painting I've completed. Probably because I grow and discover new things with each painting.