We were lucky to catch up with Leslie Goldman recently and have shared our conversation below.

Leslie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful projects I create are commissions. I take my clients through an extensive process, starting by discussing things that bring them joy. I ask them about their favorite colors, music, experiences, etc. Together, we go on a beautiful journey to create a custom work of art designed to connect my clients to a moment, a place, a person, or a thing that stirs their soul. The images and colors we choose help reinforce that connection. When one’s heart is in this expansive place, they are aligned with their true nature. This is a place of ease and joy. A painting can act as a reset point whenever we get distracted by the goings on of the day. Through meditation, gratitude, and their music playlist, I embrace my client’s energy and create a beautiful gift in service to their happiness.

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 creating when I was a child. At 7 years, I was painting in oils and playing the piano. While other kids were partying in high school, I was home creating art and making music. Also sneaking into the Fastlane, in Asbury Park, on Friday nights to see live bands. I wanted to be a painter and a rockstar when I grew up.

Graduating with a BFA from Parsons School of Design set me on an exciting course. I painted dozens of murals for Betsey Johnson, worked for multiple prestigious design firms, and held art director positions at major publishing houses. I’ve won several awards for excellence in graphic design and illustration, working for top shelf clientele. All while fronting a band playing in and around New York City.

With my husband’s sudden and untimely death, I abruptly became a single parent of two young children. I re-evaluated my purpose and embarked on a journey of healing. My commitment to following my dreams became even more strengthened. I had seen how fleeting life can be firsthand. It was time to get back to painting, and writing and performing music and fulfill that dream. I realized that I had been given gifts that I must share. Now I use decades of painting, drawing, graphic design, and spiritual practices to inform my artistic process to delight and inspire you with exciting, vibrant works of art. I also write songs to go with the paintings and perform them at my events. My goal is to elevate the world’s vibration through a joyful, divinely inspired visual and musical journey, one painting and one song at a time.

Following my dreams has allowed me to maintain a sense of playful revelry in my approach to life. When you follow your heart, life is filled with meaning. I hope my story, artwork, and music inspire you to freely express your creative nature, your inner radiance, and explore your dreams and desires. It’s never too late to start following your heart. Life is a bowl of cherries, enjoy all the good and spit out the rest!

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

As a fine artist and owner of Wild Cherry Art, I’m on a mission to cultivate joy through art, music, and by living in the spirit of appreciation. Following my dreams has allowed me to maintain a sense of playful revelry in my approach to life. When you follow your heart, life is filled with meaning. I hope my story and artwork inspire you to freely express your creative nature, your inner radiance, and explore your dreams and desires. It’s never too late to start following your heart. Life is a bowl of cherries, enjoy all the good and spit out the rest!

Have you ever had to pivot?

When my husband died suddenly in 2012 I was devastated. As I walked towards my husband’s grave the words, “This is the worst moment of your life,” appeared like a ticker tape in front of me. I held each of my young children’s little hands in mine but I didn’t think I would survive the ordeal. I stopped and closed my eyes and prayed, Please God, help me get through this. When I opened my eyes, I saw a ten-point buck, standing majestically, only 50 feet away. We locked eyes for a moment and then he bounded off into the trees. In that instant, it felt like a miraculous gift. I thought, My God, that’s so beautiful, thank you. Seeing something so beautiful and wondrous lifted me out of that moment of despair. It was a pivotal moment that allowed me to shift into a state of appreciation. It helped me to move through my pain. Beauty and art is a powerful force that heals, unites, and enriches our lives. I realized then that I had to move from being a graphic designer back to being a painter and a musician. I want to fill the world with light.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.wildcherryart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildcherryart
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WildCherryStudio/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-goldman-1691a59/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBFJfk7Alb8R0QQJmTI9sIg

Image Credits
All photographs were taken by Leslie Goldman