We were lucky to catch up with Leah Diament recently and have shared our conversation below.

Leah, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

I am happy as an artist and a creative, but I also work a full time regular job. It’s a continuous experiment to find what works and I’ve been very lucky to find a balance that I enjoy between the type of work I do and the creative projects. This particular setup was not always my goal and took a lot of trial and error in both full time jobs and as an artist to find what I enjoy and what promotes the best life balance and atmosphere for creativity. I don’t believe there is any right way to go about being an artist fortunately, only what works for an individual.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I started out doing a ton of photography while I was traveling. Partially to fill the time and partially to give myself a creative outlet. After moving back home I began to work in alternative photographic print processes and have been following that rabbit hole for the last 5 years. I love pushing the envelope and finding new ways of working within the constraints of a monochromatic print process. I find myself being forced to come up with interesting solutions to problems I could have never foreseen. For a long time I have worked to create humorous art to help find levity in the face of the enormity of the universe. At different times in my life I’ve felt overwhelmed by the disaster or confusion of the world surrounding me. Creating surrealistic images that make fun of these heavy subjects has helped me to gain some perspective and a smile when things start to go wrong. I try my best to incorporate as many cultures as I can in my art in the attempt to welcome as many different perspectives into the arts as possible. I’m most proud of being in Cherry Creek Arts Festival 3 years running and being asked to participate in the Denver Night Lights program in creating videos to be projected on to the clock tower. It gives me immense happiness to be able to play in film, printing, writing, design, etc I find that collaborating with other artists is one of my favorite activities and am so grateful to have worked with such incredible people over the years.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

There were serval things that I had to redefine in order to be happy as an artist. 1. Selling art doesn’t make you an artist. 2. Selling isn’t success. Creation of any kind, any where makes you an artist. I spent many years doubting my abilities, and still have a lot of insecurity around what I make sometimes, but the reality is, no matter how good or bad it is the point was to create it and by doing so I am 1. Successful and 2. Very much an artist. When I begin to compare my art and my progress to those around me I start to feel as though I’m not doing something right, or should be different or make different art. Then I take a small step back and see that I am on my own unique journey of creation and the art I create will cease to be original and unique if I insist on being on the same path as others. Oh also, art school does not mean you are an artist and no school does not mean you can’t be.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is being able to le t my imagination run wild, even as an adult. It allows me to play with ideas and explore universes of thought that are so ridiculous they almost seem pointless. When I allow myself to do that, I am able to walk into the world with a sense of excitement and wonder of what I might discover. It isn’t always like this, but I am always grateful when it is.

Contact Info:

• Website: Avagabondsvisual.com
• Instagram: @avagabondsvisual
• Other: [email protected]

Image Credits
Kyle Huninghake