By Ann Williams
In the world of artistry, there are those whose journey begins in the bustling heart of a city, amidst the whirlwind of cultural influences, and then there are those like Kezleigh, whose creative spirit was nurtured in the tranquil embrace of a small town just north of Toronto, Ontario. Kezleigh, a self-made artist, has not only captured the essence of her surroundings but has also harnessed the power of digital media to broaden her horizons, all while staying true to her roots.
Growing up in a close-knit community, Kezleigh found solace and inspiration in the simplicity of life. Her early years were marked by an innate urge to express the emotions that churned within her. Armed with crayons and pastels, she would often create vivid, textured works on paper, finding solace and inner peace in the process. The colors and textures she conjured on the canvas seemed to hold a unique power, quieting the restless turbulence of her mind.
Kezleigh’s journey into the digital realm of artistry began when she embarked on a transformative path through Integrated Design at the Haliburton School of Art + Design. The advent of digital tools opened up a world of possibilities for her, liberating her creative spirit from the constraints of physical mediums. With the newfound freedom to create anywhere, anytime, Kezleigh’s self-expression blossomed, setting her firmly on a path toward becoming a professional artist.
Title: The Way I See It
One of Kezleigh’s remarkable creations, “The Way I See It,” stands as a testament to her artistic evolution. This piece, a 40×40-inch multipaneled digital painting/collage on acrylic glass, encapsulates a pivotal moment in her life. It was during a particularly challenging summer, one she affectionately refers to as her “stuck years,” that Kezleigh had a brief respite. Amidst the monotony of a job that offered financial stability but little else, she found herself with three precious days off.
On those rare days, Kezleigh embarked on a kayaking adventure down a meandering marshland river, leaving behind the hustle and bustle of her daily grind. It was here that she rekindled her passion for art, dedicating herself to it as she hadn’t in years. “The Way I See It” serves as a homage to that transformative time in her life. It marks the tipping point when Kezleigh finally grasped her artistic purpose and the profound significance of her creative journey.
In her own words, Kezleigh states, “I had a particularly hard-working summer one year. I call these years my stuck years. Stuck in a job that paid well but went nowhere. Miraculously I had three days off at one point. I spent those days kayaking down a lazy marshland river, away from everything. I worked on art seriously for the first time in a very long time. ‘The way I see it’ is a homage to that time. It was a tipping point. I finally saw it.”
Title: Usually You Can See the Mountains from Here
Another remarkable work by Kezleigh, “Usually You Can See the Mountains from Here,” measures 30×60 inches and is a digital painting on acrylic glass. This piece, like much of her art, draws inspiration from her personal experiences. Kezleigh poignantly reflects on the significance of mountains in her work, noting that they hold a profound historical and emotional weight.
In the artist’s recollections, she recounts a trip to visit her aunt in Saskatchewan, an adventure filled with hardships and etched with the stories of her heart. During this journey, the weather shrouded the mountains in a cloak of mist, denying her the sight of these majestic natural wonders. “Usually You Can See the Mountains from Here” encapsulates the essence of that journey and the imprints it left on her soul.
Kezleigh’s art transcends mere visuals; it is a window into her experiences, her emotions, and her growth as an artist and a person. Through her work, she invites viewers to share in the depth of her journey, to feel the nuances of her life, and to appreciate the intricate tapestry of emotions that color her world.
In an art world often characterized by extravagance and ostentation, Kezleigh remains refreshingly grounded and sincere in her approach. Her humility shines through in every stroke of her digital brush, in every texture she creates, and in every narrative woven into her art. She does not seek grandeur or applause; instead, her art is an authentic expression of her innermost self.
Kezleigh’s journey from a small town north of Toronto is a testament to the power of passion and the courage to embrace change. Her work serves as a reminder that art can be a mirror reflecting the human experience—a means to convey emotions, stories, and moments that resonate with us all.
In a world that often rushes past the simple beauty of life’s moments, Kezleigh encourages us to pause, reflect, and savor the colors and textures of our own journeys. She invites us to see the world “The Way I See It,” to find meaning in the obscured mountains of our own lives, and to discover the richness of our own stories within the tapestry of her art.
As Kezleigh continues to explore the vast canvas of her creativity, one can’t help but anticipate the new stories and emotions she will convey through her art. Her journey is far from over, and we, as fortunate observers, can only wait with bated breath to see where her artistic odyssey will take her next.
