Artist Spotlight Series: Leora Armstrong

Most of my concepts come from walking outside and what I see, and touch. I am drawn to the the edges of where colours meet, whether they are a part of a landscape, urban or rural. I am so inspired by light and how it plays throughout the day. Beaches and Mountains are my favs. I work both US and Islay in Scotland where I grew up, the ocean is a strong pull for my work.

What is your favorite piece?

I have many whom I follow and it is hard to narrow down.

Stone work by Andy Goldsworthy especially set on the moor

Richard Serra’s Ten Core Steel in a big space, ie this desert

Agnes Martin for her incredible subtlety

Robert Mangold’s circles

How has the your area influenced your work?

I live in a rural area with great year round light, which is wonderfully inspiring to live in such a beautiful part of the world. I need to be outside everyday and to be a part of the countryside, the light given is inspiring in all weathers. I love the peace, light and space. Walking with my dogs on my own, drifting along is a great way for me to conceive work.

What is your favorite restaurant in your area?

One of my local favourites is Serevan, in Amenia NY a great experience with fab Middle Eastern food.

When in London, Ottolenghi

What is your favorite cocktail?

My only cocktail other than wine is Vodka and Soda on the rocks with a piece of lemon

How do you balance personal life and work?

I live with my two young children ages 7 and 10 full time so we are busy, but they love to help me in the studio and as I work from home it makes it easier, but life would be dull if we were not busy. My studio is at home, next to our house so I can separate work and home but love my commute!! My work is a part of my living so I am always working if that makes sense, I am so lucky to be able to do something I love, I feel very blessed by this. My daughter is very keen to be an artist when she grows up!!

Dream trip?

I am torn between Mongolia

and the Nambian Desert…

both take 1st place at present. Walking in both places.

Dream commission?

To conceive a piece for Storm King

Your favorite host / hostess gift to give?

Homemade preserved Lemons – great with a Moroccan roasted chicken and Harissa!! I love to cook!

Who is your style icon?

My best friend Selina Van Der Geest

closely followed by Axel Vervoordt

Your favorite up and coming artist?

Maya Lin at present

What is your most treasured possession?

Art/ objects that my children have made for me.

What are you reading?

Michael Ondaatje ‘Running in the family” his biography

What are you listening to?

Usually a massive mix on Pandora in the studio.. I have many choices, depending on my mood.. but always listening to music to work by, a list too long to name.

What are your favorite blogs / publications?

I tend towards Art .. Art Frieze, Artforum, Blouin Art, Artnet, Saatchi, Pace Gallery, Tate, to name a few. Time is precious for me to work so I do not spend as much time as I would like following others. I need to keep the rural girl present.

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Enjoy Leora’s work in various publications…