Barham, Leslie

April 10, 2014. Firnew Artist Portraits

As an artist, I am inspired by the bounty of beautiful objects offered up by Nature. I have always been drawn to natural forms, collecting seashells and feathers, butterflies and birds’ nests. Seemingly insignificant objects hold for me the deepest fascination. Using a range of art media including colored pencil, paint, fabric and collage, I strive to share my love of nature’s details and to help others to see and appreciate the treasures that surround us all. I continue to explore new media and approaches that might present my observations of the natural world in an unexpected, yet somehow still familiar way.

I spent my formative years in Virginia Beach, VA, and after graduating from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, I returned home to teach art in the Virginia Beach City Public Schools. For thirty years, I sought to help students develop their artistic talents and to appreciate the importance of the arts in our cultural heritage. After retiring in 2011, I relocated to Greene County where I have been dedicated to developing my own artistic voice. I am fortunate to be a member of the Firnew Farm Artists’ Circle in Madison County and to be inspired by this supportive artistic community.