Artist Statement
Art has great power. It is my profound belief that art transcends other human activities and that it is a source of humankind’s broader comprehension of its past, present, and near future. Nurturing the senses of viewers and producers of art positively is one of its functions. As an artist I search to experience this power of art and try to expose my reality to others through aesthetic approaches. I consider my work as representations of my experiences, and interpretations of events and situations from the past and present, and my idealization of the future. The work also depicts my deepest feelings and emotions. Further, in my work I experience the transformative power of art through seeking connections between matter and spirit. The traditions and cultural background of my Mexican descent have had an important influence in the content and form of my art. My lived experiences, perceptions of evolving social and cultural phenomena are translated into objects through intuitive responses. The current work, paintings, sculpture, and fiber art pieces focus on issues of family, loss, migration, displacement, and self-identity.
Biographical data
Ph. D. Interdisciplinary Fine Arts, Texas Tech University
M.F.A, Texas Christian University
B. A., Sociology, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, México
Leal is Assistant Professor in Art Education and Art Education Program Coordinator at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Department of Art.
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