We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Leif Lee. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Leif below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Leif with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My work ethic comes from watching my dad, who spent 31 years working in an aluminum factory. His commitment to providing for our family left a huge mark on me and my approach to life and art. It also taught me to be mindful of how I spend my time, because it is possible to work so hard that you miss the lives of those you love without realizing it.
Week after week, I watched him pour his life into his job, often enduring night shifts and demanding physical labor. The stories he told of navigating the challenges of the factory environment left an impression on me. It taught me the value of consistency, even in the face of adversity.
Beyond his job, weekends were a different world for my dad. He dedicated his time to home projects, working on improvements and renovations. His focus and attention to detail definitely spoke volumes, and he taught me the value of creating something with your own two hands.
Watching my dad, I learned that work ethic is not just about completing tasks; it’s about putting tangible actions towards your values. Although our values are different in many ways, I learned to invest myself fully, finding purpose in every action, and striving for excellence in all that I undertake. Whether he knew it or not, he instilled in me the importance of putting passion into my art and embracing the creative process with the same dedication he applied to his work at the aluminum factory and projects around our home. My work ethic is absolutely a byproduct of the lessons he imparted and the values of resilience, craftsmanship, and dedication that continue to shape my artistic journey today.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As a non-binary queer artist, my work is a mix of self-expression, storytelling, and advocacy. I know art can help to heal painful experiences, challenge harmful social norms, and transcend negative narratives in order to create new worlds. This is powerful and something that excites me about being an artist.
My artistic path is to create a visual narrative that celebrates gender diversity and queer identity. Through my work, I aim to foster a sense of empowerment for the LGBTQ+ community. Each mark in my creations carries a message – one that speaks to the beauty and pain of embracing authenticity, and breaking free from societal constraints that no longer serve us.
What excites me the most about my work is the opportunity to contribute to a broader conversation surrounding inclusivity. Art and fashion have the power to evoke raw emotions, provoke new thoughts, and spark lasting change. I see my creations as a form of activism, a visual language that encourages dialogue and challenges preconceptions.
In addition to my artistic pursuits, I’m dedicated to collaborating with like-minded businesses and community members that share a commitment to sustainability and empowerment. It’s not just about creating beautiful pieces; it’s about making a lasting statement, fostering real connections, and contributing to a more inclusive and compassionate world.
My brand is a reflection of authenticity, resilience, and the vibrant spectrum of gender expression with a focus on sustainability. Fast fashion for example, is devastating the planet and the inhabitants as well. I want to be a part of working to change that by prioritizing the use of recycled fabrics and sustainable materials wherever possible. I invite everyone to join me on this journey of self-discovery, celebration, and advocacy through art and fashion. Together, I hope we can create a space where creativity continues to contribute to a more accepting world.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
My personal path as a non-binary queer artist has often involved navigating heteronormative societal expectations and overcoming steep challenges. Resilience, the ability to bounce back from setbacks time and time again, has been crucial. It’s been painful to learn but essential to understand that setbacks are part of the journey, but they don’t have to define it. I really strive to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and to let resilience be my guiding light. This can be quite emotionally grueling at times so it is important to remember to be gentle with ourselves.
Embracing and expressing my authentic self has been transformative. My art is an extension of who I am, and the more genuine I am in my creations, the stronger the connection with my audience. The path of the artist can take unexpected twists and turns, coming back to my authentic self acts as my North Star and points me home. Authenticity is ultimately a magnet that attracts those who resonate with your message. I try to encourage myself and others to embrace our uniqueness, and therefore let it shine through in the work.
The art world is dynamic, ever-evolving and filled with hidden challenges. Staying curious and committed to continuous learning has really expanded my horizons and opened new doors for me. Whether it’s exploring new techniques, understanding different perspectives, or keeping up with industry trends, ongoing education is vital. By attending workshops, engaging with other artists, and never underestimating the power of learning from both successes and failures has helped me to stay on my path instead of quit.
For those at the beginning of their journey, my thoughts are to encourage you to really lean in to being patient with yourself. It’s okay not to have everything figured out. Focus on ways you can cultivate resilience, express your true authentic voice, and maintain a hunger for knowledge. Seek mentorship in your community, connect with others that align with your values, and don’t be afraid to take creative risks. This is all a part of the creative journey, excepting that as a characteristic of my role has helped me to move forward when I’m afraid.
I have often heard this phrase repeated and it continues to hold weight – the journey is just as important as the destination. Each step you take contributes to your growth, so I encourage everyone to be open to learning from every experience, and most importantly, enjoy the process of discovering your unique artistic voice.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When the waves of overwhelm hit, I turn to a combination of self-care practices and creative outlets to navigate through the experience. As a non-binary queer artist, it’s essential to honor my emotions and prioritize mental well-being. I find a lot of support from engaging in mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or grounding exercises like writing down my thoughts. This helps me center myself, and is a powerful way to reconnect with the present moment and ease the weight of overwhelm.
I also seek refuge in a practice I call “making bad art”. Whether it’s through messy painting, scribbling, or cutting up paper at random I channel my emotions into making ugly art. It is very therapeutic. This intention gives me permission to really let go of expectations, and it allows me to process feelings by transforming them into something different.
I am very big on reaching out to my supportive people. Connecting with friends, fellow artists, or mentors who understand the challenges of the creative journey, gives me such comfort and the encouragement I need.
I also try to prioritize establishing clear boundaries, both in terms of work and personal life. Learning to say no when necessary and carving out time for self-care is vital. Balancing productivity with moments of rest is key to long-term sustainability. I am on a journey to finding balance between flexibility and accountability to my self made schedule.
Reminding myself that flexibility is a strength, not a weakness is helpful. It’s okay to adjust timelines or expectations based on current circumstances, and it’s also okay to commit to a schedule and say no to others.
To those navigating their own way, my advice is to be gentle with yourself. Overwhelm is a natural part of any creative journey, but developing a toolkit of coping mechanisms tailored to your needs is empowering. Whether it’s through mindfulness, creativity, or seeking support, remember that self-care is an integral part of the artistic process. Embrace the journey, take breaks when needed, and celebrate your small victories along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.leifjlee.com
- Instagram: @leifjlee
- Other: TikTok @leifjlee
Image Credits
Photographer: Jamie Thrower
