Ever since the days when my elementary school-aged self drew dozens of rudimentary doggos on any surface she could find (something my first-grade teacher loves to recall), I’ve kept myself mentally and creatively active. As an adult I had the opportunity to volunteer alongside this teacher and mentor of mine, a humbling and inspiring experience that continues to shape my worldview. In my work—drawings, paintings, collage, and fiber art—I depict the world around me in a sketched and at times abstract style, favoring nature scenes, animals, downtowns, and niche obsessions. I love the feeling of progress as an artwork takes shape; I rarely have the finished product complete in my head when I begin a project. My values include a healthy dose of optimism, enthusiasm, compassion, civic engagement, mindfulness, and more: themes I hope emerge through my work and provoke introspection from the viewer. -Kelly Leibold
