Meet Leilani Leilani | Marker Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Leilani Leilani and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Leilani, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I think a better way to word this is, an artistic career chose me.. I chose to pursue nursing but I never quite felt right or settled. On the outside I had everything, a great career, good money, but whenever I wasn’t at work, I was creating art. Weekends, at night, whenever I could… It was as if my higher self knew all along that this was not my story. And that inner voice got stronger and stronger until I was no longer able to continue working as a nurse. My higher self started screaming at me until I quit my career in nursing and dove head first into my art career and never looked back about 9 months ago. I was called crazy and delusional and I had no savings and to the outside observer, I’d have to agree, there was nothing sane about this. It was just the call inside of me. Almost as if it were the only way I could continue to exist. It’s not an easy path, but what else matters in life without true happiness? In rewriting my story, there are times I wonder where I’d be now had I pursued art after high school and had another 20 years of professional art experience… but I have to believe it’s all part of the plan. When you follow your heart, the blessings just start flowing. It takes an immense amount of trust in Universe.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art tells the story of me and my evolution through time. 10 years ago when I first started selling my art professionally, creating out was an emotional outlet. I was at a low point in my life and in an emotional dungeon. I’d turn music on and aggressively apply paint to a canvas, not really thinking of what I was creating. I just flowed. The earlier art echoes pain and sadness, anger. Despair, hurt… as time went by the paintings became less dark.. they start showing lighter colors, with glimmers of hope. The faces turned to hearts and trees, then eventually evolved to what my art is now, I had to escape the prison I allowed my mind to trap myself in. Once I broke free, that is when I quit my job as a nurse to purse my full time art career. It was an evolution of myself reflected on canvases. Now my art exudes love, light, and hope. The heaviness has been lifted. I still flow as an artist. I tap into a deep meditative state and the spirit takes over my body and directs the lines. Each piece depicts the pattern of my soul within it. It’s the magical endless realm of the place I am from and the place I will return to. I had to make my way back to it this lifetime… in my meditation and prayers the main thing I am told and shown is that my purpose is to share my art because it can help others unlock their mind by shifting perspective. The lens we look through… if we shift the angle a little, whole new worlds open up. Despair is never the end. Life is beautiful and worth living!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Ok, first I’d take them to the salt river and hike alongside with views of the superstition and red mountain close by. These two mountains are so beautiful and powerful and healing! And seeing horses chilling while you enjoy nature is such an amazing treat!! Then we would go to Walter wherehouse for a show to dance all night and chill in the amazing oversized art cars, view the art gallery there, and make lots of new friends! Because it’s impossible to go there and not make a new friend! Then I’d be sure to take them to brunch the next day at Walter Studios, and order the poutine, it’s so yummy!! Studios has its own unique special vibe to it that I love to share with anyone who comes to town. I’d take them down Roosevelt row arts district and check out all the amazing murals, grab a coffee at Joe bot and say hi to some other local artists as it’s a phoenix artist hang out spot! I would then go check out the Snood City Styles Shop for some more unique artistic creations including clothing and jewelry by local artists….

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Devin Hall, AKA Boltz- he’s an inspiration to all, a true artistic renegade. He’s a friend and always there to support and encourage me and other artists he meets along his journey.

Website: https://www.leilaniartismysoul.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leilani.artismysoul

Image Credits
Headshot by Asael Jimenez