artist statement
We live in a news culture that presents the most tragic sound bites of world events, from one catastrophe to the next.
Although necessary and powerful representations at times, the collective unbalanced negative imagery of the developing world has desensitized many of us to the problems they face.
Poverty is visible for all to see, but what is often more difficult is seeing individuals - the dignity, beauty splendor and hope that can be found in the human spirit - regardless of circumstance.
I try to convey that dignity and spirit of individuals and communities who are often misunderstood, negatively represented, or simply not represented in the traditional visual vocabulary.
"I had the distinct pleasure of viewing Leslie's portfolio of photographs.
What struck me about the body of work was a delicate sensitivity toward subject matter and composition that at times was new and exquisite.
Though far away people and the human experience has compelled many photographers to document, I saw moments in her compositions that I had never before seen.
This is the elusive "voice" of a particular artist, that which identifies Irving Penn or Cartier Bresson unmistakably.
This is rare. "
-Michelle Monroe, MONROE GALLERY OF PHOTOGRAPHY