About the ArtistLeah Ostendorf is currently an art student at Deep Run High School.
An illustrator and painter, she works with physical media as well as digital media. Her work aims to explore the explore the mystery of emotional expression and the abstract nature of humans, something she has struggled to understand earlier in her life. She is currently applying for college and intends to go to school and pursue an education and career in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering. She will most likely continue making and exploring art and college, and will use the valuable skills learned in her engineering or research career. |
Artist's StatementI rarely make art with a set intention or meaning in mind, and I never truly understand what my work means or portrays until after I finish. However, when I do make art with a thought or purpose behind it, it reveals itself in different ways than I would have expected. The aim for my work has been to explore myself on an emotional, subjective level. I am by nature objective, analytical, logical, and calculating. But my past has caused me to become emotionally detached and unwilling to trust. I struggle to understand myself and the feelings of others, relying on control in lieu of forgiveness and trust. I put up a wall and surround myself with confidence and achievements so others can see me as strong, smart, talented, and almost perfect. I become embarrassed and ashamed when I cry; I am more comfortable sharing my situation than my feelings. My artwork has revealed to me that the aspect of confronting and sharing my emotions is exposure. I am reluctant to break down cold, emotionless wall that surrounds me and expose the innermost, raw abstractions of my character.
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