CURATOR HIGHLIGHT - INTERVIEW WITH LEEZA JONEE ARTIST, WRITER & CREATOR OF THE BREATHING SPACE
Here we are on our third curator highlight, which I’m so delighted to share. *clap clap* Today, we are speaking to the gorgeous Leeza Jonee also known as Lee, a product of Goldsboro, North Carolina. Leeza is an illustrator, writer and curator of the community project/movement known as “The Breathing Space”. The Breathing Space is so special because it is a home for healing and community. I selected Leeza for today’s highlight because she is one of the strongest and powerful black women that I follow. Aside from purchasing prints from Leeza, I fell in love with her mission, and style of celebrating black women and culture. Leeza is the prototype for the kind of leaders and creatives we need to change the narrative and maintain positive shifts for our people. Leeza has these amazing illustrations of feminine body figures called “ thick jawn”, that are both honest and seductive. She just recently shared her 3rd installment called “midnight dedications to the body” which are amazing as well. I couldn't help but share such a multifaceted and talented black woman. HERE WE GO !
LadyFox - If you could describe Leeza Jonee` in three words, what would they be?
• tender
• curious
• renaissancing - lol made up but it comes to mind too easily when I think of all that I do
LadyFox - What is your message/intentions with the breathing space?
Leeza -The notion that there is “healing in community”. Even for the folks who feel there isn’t something to directly be healed from. My goal is to emphasize how necessary community and allyship is for growth and self care.
LadyFox - What is your experience as a black woman in the present day?
Leeza - Where do I start? — I am constantly learning and unlearning ways in which to navigate society as a black woman. Not that there is a right or wrong way to to exist as a black woman but to fully embrace my blackness and my womanhood in all that I do. From breathing to creating to loving. I believe we as black women are often challenged, more so than other races and genders. There has yet to be a movement for just US, that is groundbreaking or makes headlines. Both the Civil Rights movement and the Black Power movement, although immensely radical and revolutionary, majorly existed, uplifted and supported the black man with the majority of that uplifting and support lying heavily on the backs of black women. I still feel, today (Black Lives Matter movement), that we as black women are the backbone of much of the rallying and outcries of our society. My intention, especially as a creative, is to be that protest for us, in all ways.
LadyFox - Were your body prints a one time creative project or will you continue with visual art?
Leeza - I’ll definitely continue! lol I’ve been drawing my whole life. The body line drawings took me out of my comfort zone of realism and furthered my desire to continue celebrating our bodies. I’ve always drawn the female form; when I was younger, I wanted to become a fashion designer. My current line drawings are digital and I plan to explore acrylic and oil painting as an alternative medium for this style.
LadyFox - What can someone expect when they come to "The Breathing Space"?
Leeza - Being that the topics are so varied, the experience is always changing yet the energy remains the same. You can always expect to meet a curious and eager crowd. That is my favorite part. The setup of The Breathing Space is less of a panel and more of living room vibe so you get a real and chill atmosphere. We speak and express candidly our lived experiences and opinions. I’ve learned so much and have been put on to new and similar life stories.
LadyFox -What is one piece of advice you would give to someone who wants to be an artist?
Leeza - Perseverance and consistency. A constant reminder for myself. You truly recognize the fruits of your labor the harder you work and more focused you remain. Also, be open to feedback. I’ve learned this more as a writer. Publishers told me that once I complete my collection of work, share it with those closest to me and those that appreciate the art. It helps to understand who your audience is.
LadyFox - What does it feel like to give back to people of color and support community through your work?
Leeza - It’s so surreal and triumphant. This may sound odd but it wasn’t my main intention. I’ve done the work for the sake of doing the work; whether creating, writing or holding space, I’ve always felt that it was something that needed to be done. Over time, aside from my desire to just “do”, I’ve been more motivated to continue The Breathing Space and my creative endeavors from the response of my community. That’s where the victory lies.
LadyFox - What is your definition of love?
Leeza - A space that is unconditional and sacrificial. I have this affirmation,
“woman of many talents. lover, my greatest one.”
I don’t necessarily mean “romantic” lover. When you walk in “love” you exist without conditions and in all that you do, you make the paramount decisions to follow through with the ultimate goal.
LadyFox - Describe how a "perfect" day would go for Leeza.
Leeza - Near water. Good music. Reading, writing, working through my to-do list and making deadlines with no distractions. Oh and coffee. I’ve recently turned off all notifications on my phone to make this more of a reality; I’m less inclined to pick up my phone if it’s not buzzing every minute lol.
LadyFox - At what moment did you realize that you needed to birth "The Breathing Space" for the community?
Leeza - I don’t think there was an “ah ha” moment for me. As an only child, I’ve always craved kinship, so creating and hosting a space for others came naturally. In the beginning, I was asked to host a “cocktails and conversation” event with no intention of it becoming what The Breathing Space is today. (There was supposed to be a different name and setup). That idea and offer came to me and I ran with it. As mentioned above, the community made me realize that what I’ve desired my whole life was necessary for all.