This Is

My Story!

My art has been likened to opening a chest in your grandmother's attic and stumbling upon a precious family heirloom. The use of vintage items in my creations and a subtle, neutral palette give my pieces a very soft and organic feel. This subtlety allows my art pieces to feel at home in modern, traditional and relaxed settings. Being raised by a traditional artist I was always surrounded by creativity and grew up appreciating the works displayed in museums. I'm not a true "color in the lines" artist so my journey led me to mixed media. This creative area of my life is like my lightening bolt, my energy source. I love knowing that pieces I have created are hanging out in homes near and far! Then there is the teaching, there is something so amazing about sharing techniques and working through an artistic piece with a student artist! Those moments when they see what they have created when they thought they couldn't. Those aha moments are what it's all about.

While my true happiness is found in altering vintage items using clay, soldering, inks and paint you will also find me covered in paint and resin, surrounded by canvases with a paintbrush, or two, held between my teeth. I'm not a traditional artist so my fingers and hands are always utilized in my art making time, I believe that is why I incorporate so many tactile elements into my work.

I generally work in medium size pieces and my creations have been built, generally, on found and discarded items; however I do occasionally work with items purchased at the local craft store.

While my full time job is on the analytical side I always find time to create in my studio. My dedicated studio is always brimming with a project or two but I will admit that there are times it feels like every room in our home is acting as studio space.

I currently sell my original pieces online and in Shallotte, NC at Miss Minnie's Antiques, though many creations are special orders or requests.

LIFE’S MISSION

My husband and I love knowing that those things we love to do provide happiness to those in our lives.

we are sharers — sharers of our talents, our hospitality, our love.

Kind Words From Satisfied Students

Lesley Is A Knowledgeable and Imaginative Teacher!

I took several classes years ago from Lesley when she offered them and was delighted to see that she was doing so again! She is a knowledgeable and imaginative teacher with great projects .I have also purchased many vintage items from her and the are always good quality and very well packed for shipping.
— JULIE L..
Lesley's Classes Are Always Done Well!

I have been taking both on-line and in-person Art classes with Lesley Venable since 2010. She is one of the kindest and most giving instructors I have ever met.
Lesley’s classes are always done well. From her class supply list to any questions you have throughout the class, Lesley is with you every step of the way.
Lesley’s classes have always been unique and I have been able to bring those techniques I’ve learned in her classes to every other class I have taken.
Knowing and taking classes with Lesley has given me confidence and made me a better artist. I highly recommend both on-line and in-person classes with Lesley Venable!
— ALETA T.
Generous Instructor!

Description goes hereI have taken classes with Lesley at a fabulous art retreat a few years ago, and they were a very amazing introduction to taking classes for me. I found Lesley to be fun, attentive and very generous instructor. She made the classes easy to follow, fun and interesting, and I came home with treasures that I would never have thought myself capable of producing, and still have them.
I would love to take more classes and intend on doing so at the next possible opportunity.
I also have ordered from her many times, and all the items are extremely well priced, excellent quality and super fast on the shipping.
— BEV B.

“Let Yourself Be Silently Drawn By The Stronger Pull of what you really love.”

— RUMI

MY VALUES

What I

Believe in,

I believe in the power of creativity to affect your wellbeing and life.
I know I will always be creative, whether that is in gardening, decorating, cooking, creating or gifting.
I hope that what I share in words, items for sale or my creative endeavors bring smiles, or aha moments or laughs or meandering thoughts. I hope that I can be seen as a positive for someone who may be afraid to step out and experiment or try something new. I hope I can be an inspiration.
I enjoy the beach, an evening sitting by a campfire, collecting seashells, shopping for vintage items, memories of my family in my home, the laughter of friends sitting around the dining room table, my pets, my husband (of course) and the loosening of my wings in order to fly.
I love my husband and our fur babies. I love spending time with family and friends. I love the hunt for the perfect vintage items. I love the smile on someone's face when they learn a new technique I am teaching. I love life.