We recently connected with Lee Garrard and have shared our conversation below.

Lee, 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.

To me a meaningful piece of art should help develop individuals or family…

Physically. That should enhance their surroundings aesthetically and help their surroundings become specifically “theirs.” It should serve as a source of pride and affection and assist in creating a warm feeling of love throughout their built environment.

Intellectually. It should deliver some facet to their mindset that is a contribution to thought. It should stimulate thought and imagination.

Spiritually. The art should help the owner expand their connection to higher realms of thought.

Emotionally. The art should help owners feel secure and proud of their surroundings and a sense uniqueness. That their environment is one of a kind.

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 am a visual artist that produces works in Charcoal and Oil. Although I have exhibited and hung in galleries, I prefer working on commission. I live and work on Johns Island, outside of Charleston, South Carolina. Although I draw and paint work of all subject matter, I generally gravitate towards the human figure. I love the way that light reflects off of the human body and the chiaroscuro created by the human form. I enjoy taking client requested subject matter and adding emotion and grace to each to each piece I create.
I began sketching and painting about five years ago. I used the early morning hours to draw and my daylight hours to practice my given occupation, landscape architecture. Gradually, as demand for my art increased, I began dividing the two disciplines equally.
People who hire services are usually seeking heirloom level portraiture and work that celebrates and brings to life a memory they want to preserve for generations.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I have no particular mission or cause that I promote. I’m not trying to save the world or make a statement that will change people’s lives.

My particular reason for practicing art is simply to accentuate and celebrate the “every day.” To create visual art that delights and becomes preciously dear to the owner. The one object they would choose to save if their house was on fire.

I do however have goal for each project I undertake. As before, I love recreating the human form though art. However, I hope to illustrate people “doing things.” People interacting with their environment and engaged in activity. And if there is a little story that is entertwined with the effort, that is even better!

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

Social media and exhibition along with entering juried competitions are really the only way I market myself. I started slowly, building a following that has stuck around for years now. It has worked really well for me. I dont even have any business cards, although I really should.

I would encourage all artists who participate in social media not to be shy about posting their work. Post several times a day! Dont worry, you won’t be boring your friends and followers.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: artistleewaldengarrard
• Facebook: Lee Garrard

Image Credits
Pascale Sexton