Roxane Lessa creates colorful quilts with movement inspired by her years as a dancer. She likes to show the beauty found in the world through her work, uplifting and bringing joy to the viewer. Now teaching classes both online and in person, she hopes to use art to help students reconnect with their spirit and joy.
Why textile art? How does that medium best express what you want to communicate through your art?
I’ve always loved textiles, even as a child. Needlework has always been a passion of mine. What I love about textiles is the variety and depth of textures you can achieve.
How does your background as a dancer influence your work?
Movement is a key element of design; making your eye move around the piece is key. I am drawn to curved and circular shapes which inherently have movement implied. I always want the piece to “move” and be exciting, not static.
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Do you do series work? How does that affect your approach?
I do like to work in a series and explore a subject in new ways, with new colors or new techniques. It’s endlessly fascinating to see what new ways you can treat a subject. That being said, I may make 2 or 3 in a series and then jump to something new for a while, and then return back.
What do you do differently? What is your signature that makes your work stand out as yours?
I think it’s hard to be objective about this question. I would say it is the use of brilliant color, and strong curves. I am attracted to the same things found in nature. For instance, the colors in an opal, or in a bird’s wings.
What motivates you artistically?
I like to show the beauty found in the world, to uplift and bring joy. I am a maker and I just have to make things!
Where do you find your inspiration for your designs?
I find inspiration in the glorious colors in the skies, shapes and colors found in plants, trees and flowers. Landscapes of the ocean are always a draw. It’s the natural world.
Anything with color and wonderful shapes, like a shell or a gemstone will spark a new idea.
Do you plan your work out ahead of time, or do you just dive in with your materials and start playing?
It depends on the subject. Some pieces are a close reproduction, and need to be planned out carefully, and others are done abstractly and improvisationally, paying close attention to composition and balance.
How do you manage your creative time? Do you schedule start and stop times? Or work only when inspired?
I can’t wait for inspiration. I try to work in the studio several times a week, while still taking some short breaks. The dancer in me has to stop and stretch periodically.
Do you have a dedicated space for creating? If so, what does it look like?
Yes I have a second bedroom that I use for my work space/office.
Can you tell us about the inspiration and process of one of your works? How does a new work come about?
I can describe the Opal Series. I love opals and their colors. I started with a picture of one with unusual colors, changed it with a photo editing app to move the colors around. When I got it how I wanted it, I prepared a pattern from that photo. It became an image with lots of movement and color. I’ve made two (2) of these pieces in the same manner.
Which part of the quilt design process is your favorite? Which part is a challenge for you?
My favorite part is the design and planning, where all the creative decisions are made. The execution is my next favorite part, seeing it all come together, while remaining open to making changes. The quilting is both meditative and a bit slow for me. I get impatient sometimes with this part. But the results are worth it.
Tell us about a time when you truly stretched yourself as an artist.
That would be when I took several improv classes online during Covid and learned curved piecing. It was challenging to design the units, and then somehow get the design to work overall. The engineering of it was a feat!
What kinds of creative projects are your favorites?
The ones where I get carte blanche, but get paid ahead of time to make a commission.
Do you lecture or teach workshops? How can students/organizers get in touch with you to schedule an event?
Yes! I Iove to teach! I have several lectures or classes I can give live or virtually. I have many online, on demand classes that teach the techniques I use. I even have two (2) free teaser mini courses. You can go to https://bit.ly/RoxaneLessa for my virtual classes. And my main website, www.roxanelessa.com has a “Classes” tab that lists my lectures, classes and workshops. Most of these can be taught online via Zoom. Organizers can also talk with me by phone at 929-602-2260, or email me at [email protected].
Tell us about your blog and/or website. What do you hope people will gain by visiting?
I have a monthly newsletter that shares my works in progress, tutorials, and general news, like where to see my work in person. It’s called The Art Quilter’s Coach and is geared towards anyone wanting to learn art quilting. You can go to my main website www.roxanelessa.com to subscribe. Also, at this website, you can view my works for sale, and information about classes, commissions, etc.
Check out all of Roxanne’s classes.
Interview posted July 2023
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