Leslie Ford is an abstract painter whose practice embraces printmaking and photography. Her work is inspired by her meditations on literature; current events, music lyrics and popular culture seen through the lens of simple engagement of process. She seeks to provide clarity or identify hidden meaning between two or more conceptual ideas by combining studio practices with processes of the mind to express her metaphors of ephemeral ideas. She holds a BFA in Design from Carnegie-Mellon University and completed a summer residency in Painting and Mixed Media at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Based in New York, Leslie is an Art File Member of the Painting Center of New York City, a Rose Member of New York Artists Equity Association of New York City and an Artist Associate Member of the Ink Shop, Ithaca, NY.
Leslie has over 20 years previous experience in art direction, creative design and production in magazine publishing. Formerly employed at Town & Country, House Beautiful, Seventeen, Woman’s Day and Sports Afield she was recognized for her imaginative layouts and photo editing ability. In 1991, Graphic Design: USA presented Leslie with two DESI awards for Excellence for her work at Sports Afield. The American Institute of Graphic Arts also recognized her for the cover design for Town & Country’s Annual Racing Guide in 1984. She opened her own design studio in 1994 creating a capital campaign package for the Montclair Art Museum as well as annual reports, brochures and newsletters. During these years she was also cultivating her artist practice and was able to decide to leave graphic design and concentrate solely on her studio practice in 2007. Her work has been exhibited extensively since then.
Today Leslie continues to focus on expanding her studio practice, seeking opportunity for exposure of her work and deepening her involvement in the greater arts community.