Leila Bartell talks art
THE CELEBRATION OF THE STORY EDITION CONTINUES.
an EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW
DEPARTURE FROM EREBUS
ARTIST LEILA BARTELL GAVE THE LABORATORY A SNEAK PREVIEW
OF HER NEW SERIES DEPARTURE OF EREBUS BEFORE IT LAUNCHES.
WE ASKED ABOUT HER ARTISTIC PRACTICE.
HERE’S WHAT LEILA HAD TO SAY.
Tell us about your childhood and how you became an artist?
As a child, I had the opportunity to experience life in both the Middle East and Europe, which I believe shaped my dual identity and broadened my horizons from a young age. Even as a child, I was always drawn to art and expressing myself creatively through drawing and painting. However, I put my artistic pursuits on hold to pursue a law degree. It wasn't until later in life that I returned to art and realised that it was my true passion. Now, I am a full-time artist and I feel grateful for the journey that has led me here.
Do you have a favourite story? A fable? Or a story that you’ve never forgotten?
When it comes to my favourite story, I would have to say that it's the timeless tale of Peter Pan. It celebrates the power of imagination and the importance of believing in oneself. As I've grown older, I've come to appreciate it even more as the deeper themes of the story such as the importance of holding onto your creativity and embracing your inner child resonate with me. I believe that the story of Peter Pan is just as relevant for adults as it is for children.
Is there a personal story in your life that was a profound turning point?
While I haven't experienced a single, profound turning point in my life, I've found that every day presents new opportunities to learn and improve. Whether it's through personal reflection or seeking out new experiences, I'm committed to evolving both personally as well as professionally.
How does storytelling feature in your work as a filmmaker and an artist?
Storytelling is central to my work as a filmmaker and artist. In both mediums, my aim is to create a narrative that engages and resonates with the audience. However, the storytelling process differs between the two mediums. As a filmmaker, I work with a team to bring a script to life, incorporating elements such as visual imagery, sound design, and music to create a cohesive story. As an artist, my approach is more individualistic, using my own experiences and emotions as a starting point to create a visual narrative. I often use symbolism and metaphor to convey my message, and I try to leave room for interpretation so that the audience can bring their own experiences and emotions to the story. Overall, while the process of storytelling may differ between filmmaking and art, the goal remains the same - to create a meaningful and impactful narrative.
Can you tell us about your latest series Departure from Erebus?
This collection of seven paintings draws inspiration from the captivating world of Greek mythology, as well as from the enigmatic and multilayered realm of dreams and visions. These works are a tribute to the complex and mysterious forces that shape our lives and give meaning to our existence. At the heart of this series lies the idea of overcoming darkness and heaviness, which are universal experiences that touch us all at some point in our lives. Each painting explores the various stages of moving away from that sense of heaviness and into a brighter, more hopeful space.
Memories, 2022, acrylic , oil on canvas
152.4 x 122.9 cm (60x48 inch)
What's the best advice you've ever been given?
I think the best advice I was given was that someone's opinion is just that, someone's opinion. This advice has helped me to take risks and pursue my passions without fear of failure. It has given me the courage to trust myself and follow my intuition, even when others may not understand or agree with my choices. I believe that this mindset has been crucial to my growth as a person, and it's something that I try to live by every day. It's a reminder that we don't have to live our lives based on other people's expectations, and that we can forge our own paths and find our own success in our own way.
Worst advice you've been given?
I would say that the worst advice I've ever been given is to play it safe. This advice encourages a mindset of caution and complacency, which can be limiting and prevent growth. I believe that taking calculated risks and stepping outside of one's comfort zone is essential for personal and professional development. While it's important to weigh the risks and benefits of any decision, playing it safe can often mean missed opportunities and a life lived without truly fulfilling one's potential.
Nightmares, 2022, acrylic on canvas
150 x 100 cm (59.06 x 39.37 inch)
What's most important to you in your life?
I think living a life of purpose and with integrity. By staying true to my values, I find that everything else falls into place. Pursuing my passions, spending quality time with my family and friends, and hopefully making a positive impact through my work, no matter how small.
Euphoria, 2022, acrylic on canvas
150 x 100 cm (59.06 x 39.37 inch)
What is your next artistic adventure?
I'm currently in the process of conceptualising my next artistic adventure, which will be an exploration of the relationship between climate change and the balance between individuality and community. Climate change is a global issue that requires both individual and collective action, and I want to explore how our sense of identity and the need for community impacts our ability to tackle this challenge. I'm still deciding on the specific medium I want to use to express these ideas, but I'm excited to see where this project takes me.
Departure from Erebus
A series of 7 paintings inspired by the Greek Mythology and the world of dreams, memories, visions; the unconscious ultimately forces us to be present daily to form human existence, whether we are conscious of it or not.
Prophetic Dream, 2022 , acrylic on canvas
150 x 100 cm (59.06 x 39.37 inch)