Born in New York City in 1953, Leslie Lew grew up in the suburbs of New Jersey and in Chicago. Her father was a well-known executive art director, and her subject matter was influenced by the commercial ads and products that surrounded her. Her underlying theme deals with childhood memories, and growing up in America. She examines American culture and how it reflects on our tastes historically- good or bad.

For over twenty-five years, Leslie Lew has been painting in a technique that she calls “Sculpted Oils”. With thick, sculpturally rich swirls of vivid color, she captures the essence of whatever she depicts, bringing it to life. She received her BFA and MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where she studied with Ray Yoshida, who was part of the non-mainstream art movement of the “Hairy Who”. It was there that she started her thick style with the “Supermarket” series in which she built out all the products with sculpted oil paint. During her graduate work, she was invited to participate in the SUNY/ Semester in New York City, a program much like the Whitney Museum, where she was given a studio, and had weekly critiques by respected artists of the time. She ended up staying in NYC and had her first solo show at Sensory Evolution Gallery, as one of the artists from the East Village Art Movement.

Leslie Lew lives and works near Peekskill, NY. She has been a professor at the College of New Rochelle, and was selected for the Westchester Biennial 2006, and 2008. She received a grant for a children’s book she wrote and illustrated called, “Buki’s Garden”. Her work has been included in art book publications, “Encyclopedia of Living Artists in America”, “East Village: A Guide, A Documentary”, “East Village 86” “Comic Release- Negotiating Identity for a New Generation, and “The Margulies Collection- at the Warehouse”, which will be released in November 2008.

AN ESSAY ON LESLIE LEW

Leslie's Red Shoes, by Park West Gallery Director Morris Shapiro.

LETTERS TO LESLIE

How wonderful to hear from you. We have been spreading the "We love Leslie Lew message far and wide." At special times in our lives we feel a connection with someone you meet that says this person shines with an inner light that is so compelling. We are looking forward to many messages where we keep in touch and will be praying for you as you use your incredible gift to bless peoples lives through your art and who you are. Take care of you!

-Vallie

Thank you for being such a sharing person. You made our cruise so much more meaningful!

-Dar and Gus and Granddaughter Kathleen

It was great seeing you on the ship...what a surprise! Wow, busy girl. Congrats on your exhibition at the library. Good write up too. Sorry we will not see you in Portland...but there is always next 4th of July when we will go up again. Have fun, hugs.

-Pam

Jennifer and I had a wonderful time talking and spending time with you in Atlanta at the Park West VIP event. You made our weekend one we will never forget. Words cannot express the thanks I want to give you for painting the flag on my cane. Every time I look at it I will have the memory of meeting you.

Again, thanks for making our weekend one we will never forget.

-Phil and Jennifer

Joanne and I enjoyed meeting you on the cruise last week and are very excited to have the opportunity to begin collecting your beautiful work. Although disappointed that we did not pull the trigger quick enough on the Animal Crackers painting, we are looking forward to placing Mickey-Roping Around in a prominent place on the walls of our Tuxedo Park home and enjoying it for years to come.

We have been collectors of several Picasso, Chagall and Max pieces and now hope to begin adding Lew B's. Since we are not far away, please let us know of any exhibitions that get scheduled.

Warmest Regards,

-Russ

Jennifer and I just received both the matchbook sets you made for us and I have to tell you that they are wonderful. The Supermarket Series is great, but the unique piece you did for us is unbelievable. We knew they would look good, but the detail you were able to get and the quality of the work is outstanding. Thank you so much for doing them for us! They will hang on our walls with pride.

Look forward to hearing from you again. I am sure you are off on another VIP event enjoying yourself and I hope that continue to go well for you.

Thanks again,

-Phil and Jennifer