Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Colleen McDonnell. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Colleen, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

One of the most meaningful projects I have worked on was a piece called “The Unravelling.”

The four portraits depicted are George Floyd, Chul Fong Eng, Uziyah Garcia and Ruth Bader Ginsberg.

Each were key figures that were a part of major conversations about targeted hate crimes, systematic oppression and human rights.

I chose to create the art through block printing on burlap to emulate the idyllic Americana style, and incorporated 13 grommets and woven thread to represent the foundations we are taught in elementary school about colonialism and America.

I had interviewed friends with different ethnic backgrounds to give me perspective on what has been the most jarring for them growing up in the United States. Seeing friends and the general public engage with it in a gallery space and having them feel seen even in the most minimal way made it my most meaningful piece.

Colleen, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I say that I am an illustrator and creative project manager, but I think my work is more fluid than that and that it can’t be defined to one role.

My work as an illustrator is focused on telling the stories of others through vulnerable and candid portraits, glimpses of memories or scenes that impacted my life. My love of film and capturing a moment that people can relate to, no matter the subject matter, is woven into my work.

My work as a creative project manager at its core is understanding the inner workings of my team and elevating clients and the creatives to reach their fullest potential. It’s very rewarding to look in hindsight of my career and see my fellow colleagues flourishing.

Both roles incorporate intuitive observation, trust in humanity and social conversations. That’s how eventually I found my way into spaces where people share the same passions as I do.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I found my rhythm with my art at the beginning of 2020 on Instagram, and my best advice is to be your authentic self and your community will find you.

I think the best way to get genuine engagement is to show up to local events, galleries, classes and meet other artists and network on social media. There’s always going to be the challenge of an algorithm limiting your reach, or a push for videos content, but I have noticed more engagement with my work when I speak to my audience as well.

I am also constantly researching and having open discussions with fellow creatives to get ideas on how to improve platform engagement. Being a forever student and growing along with the rapid changes is essential as a creative.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Connection that crosses superficial barriers is my main goal with my art.

I view art, like music, as a unique language that doesn’t need to be translated but instead, felt.

“I felt like I was there with you” is a phrase I often get with my work. As a part of my process, I often close my eyes and try to envision the emotion that I want to imbue into my work as I create it.

A lot of people also feel comfort or a feeling of home when they see my work, and because I was given the gift to create for others, I often give my work to others out of gratitude for the inspiration and compassion they have gifted me.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.leenyart.com
• Instagram: Leenyart
• Other: Email: contactleenyart@gmail.com