Painter, singer, and passionate about all forms of expression, Leslie Di mixes emotions, roots, and nature to create a vibrant universe. Between bright canvases and intense songs, she invites us to travel to the heart of the present and authenticity.
To begin with, can you tell us about your journey and what led you to become both a painter and a singer?
I have always needed to express what I feel. Painting came first, around the age of 6: it was my way of translating my emotions into colors and shapes. At 8, I discovered singing through a TV show. For me, any form of artistic expression that anchors the present moment is welcome. At 15, I promised myself to experiment with all forms of art. I also had some experiences in theater… I loved it! I haven't done any cinema yet… I keep the door open because I deeply believe that artistic expression must remain free.
Can you tell us about your journey and how you came to create illustrations?
At the age of 8, I started taking watercolor painting classes. As I grew up, I passionately experimented with other techniques such as pointillism, black and white drawing, stenciling, and acrylics. This led me to a Bachelor of Arts where I discovered digital drawing on a graphics tablet. This new way of creating captivated me as it allows me to play with colors, textures, and light.
Very inspired by the old Air France posters, I then began illustrating places and destinations that I cherish.
How do your Mexican roots nourish your art?
Whether in your works or in your music?
As an artist, I draw from my life experience, my dreams, and nature. Bright colors (visual or sound) are part of my identity. The strength of contrasts and a certain intensity come from this culture deeply connected to life and nature. Mexico has taught me to fully inhabit my emotions, to express them freely. This nourishes my voice as much as my canvases or sculptures.
What themes or emotions do you seek to convey through your works? And through your songs?
Through my art, I embark on an inner journey that serves as a mirror. I try to create a space where everyone can feel, recognize themselves, and resonate.
The themes that often appear in my works and songs are: the present moment, which I live intensely and mindfully at every step of creation; love, for oneself and for others; time, which I approach as an invitation to slow down and leave aside the urgency of our daily lives; and finally, my love for nature and our planet.
Your creations seem to blend several universes. What are your main artistic and cultural influences?
My influences are quite varied. In painting, I draw a lot from nature and also from my life experience. I am very observant, and consequently, it nourishes my art. On the music side, I love both jazz and electro, not to mention Latin rhythms. I enjoy mixing worlds, as that creates my own style. One thing is for sure: I only try to be honest with myself when creating.
What does it mean to you to practice different forms of art: painting, sculpture, and singing? Do they complement each other or sometimes oppose each other?
For me, all forms of art fully complement each other. They are all different ways of expressing the same thing: an emotion, a vision, an energy. They do not oppose each other; on the contrary, they communicate with each other and help me explore all the dimensions of what I feel.
If you had to compare your painting to a song, or your voice to a color, what would you choose?
If I had to compare my painting to a song, I would say it resembles a ballad full of nuances, sometimes soft, sometimes intense, that travels the emotion. And my voice... I would see it more like a Prussian blue (which is present in all my works, by the way), warm and soothing, but capable of becoming bright when expressing joy or strength.
Is there a work (painting or song) that is particularly dear to you and tells a part of your personal story?
Yes, several! But my painting Mi suerte, Mi luz and the song Para ti are my favorite works.
Mi suerte, Mi Luz (My luck, My light) is a beautiful story of trust and resilience. I finished it in 2020 after a long period of introspection.
Para ti (For you) is the song I wrote when I was pregnant with my son. Highlighting it today, now that he has become a beautiful man, fills me with emotion and gratitude for life.
How do you envision the evolution of your art in the coming years? Any new projects in preparation?
I see my art as a path that builds step by step. In the coming years, I would like to continue having the chance to explore my emotions further, to allow myself to be surprised. One of the projects that is closest to my heart is to continue sharing the love I feel for life, in a sincere and true way. And more concretely, soon: the release of my album Sube, beautiful upcoming exhibitions, as well as collaborations with other artists.
