My Story
Artist Statement
I am a painter, living and working in Memphis, Tennessee. I have been an artist for as long as I can remember. As a child, I spent my time creating - whether it be drawing, sewing, building, sculpting, or painting. The act of creating has always been a driving force in my life. I have fond memories watching my mom garden and paint. I honestly can't remember ever not having flowers in our home. She provided me with plenty of art materials and the freedom to imagine, create, and make messes. Her garden provided me with fabulous inspiration. As I began to focus on painting, two main themes emerged: flowers and or garden produce, and women in domestic settings. These images of women gardening, shelling peas, knitting, or reading are images of my childhood and hold a special place in my heart. I paint both from life as well as from imagination. I want my paintings to be whimsical. I want them to evoke happiness and the security of home.
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My paintings have been influenced by a diverse group of artists. From the thick, vibrant brushwork of Van Gogh, the patterned paintings of Gustav Klimt, the strong lines and flat space seen in the work of Alphonse Mucha, to the beautiful interiors and local color seen in the paintings of Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant of the Bloomsbury group. I am attracted to graceful, flowing lines as well as playful patterns which are seen in the textiles and pottery in my paintings. Clearly the element that most characterizes my work is color. Color excites me. My home is filled with color and pattern. I collect bits of colorful pottery and vintage linens that find their way into my paintings. Although its often said that art should make you think, instead I say that art should make you feel; and I choose joy. The world can be a cold, hard place so I consider it a privilege to be able to create something that can add a bit of joy and maybe evoke a smile.
Bio
Jeanette Chasteen Leake is a painter and teacher based in Memphis, Tennessee. She is best known for her bright, colorful florals and her paintings of women in domestic settings. She began creating at a very early age. Her mother, who was a painter, began teaching her to paint at the age of 11. She spent her school years taking adult painting classes in the evenings and also over her summers. She attended Belhaven University in Jackson, Mississippi on an art scholarship where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Art, with an emphasis in Painting. She has also studied in workshops in New York, France, and around the world under several renowned artists such as Marybeth McKinzey, Peggy Kroll Roberts, and others. While in college, she began painting portraits and continued as a full-time portrait painter for many years. She has continued on to teach art both in schools and in private lessons while still creating works of her own. Her work can be found in public and private collections across the US.