About the Artist
Leslie Gomes Preston
Ladylsle's Artspace
Leslie is a self-taught artist who grew up in Nantucket, MA and now lives in South Yarmouth MA
Leslie started Acrylic painting in 2016 following the passing of her daughter, Kiara Rose Smith.
Leslie's work is acrylic on canvas. She has an array of paintings, prints and other craft projects. Some of
her projects include shell Christmas Angels made with shells from Cape Cod Beaches. She recently started making her African Newspaper dolls made from recycled Newspapers
Her work has been sold at multiple Craft fairs and Online sites. Her Art has been displayed at the Cape Cod Cape Verdean Museum and Cultural Center (formally in Harwich, MA) now location in Falmouth, MA
Nantucket Whaling Museum; Cape Verdean-Nantucket Exhibit, Nantucket, MA A percentage of her sales go to organizations in Memory of her daughter and granddaughter.
Stay tuned for more projects on the way!
“Art is like running away without leaving home!” unknown
I create African Newspaper Dolls as a tribute to the strong women in my life, my daughter Kiara, my granddaughter Aleah, my Mom Lorraine, my Grandmothers Anna, Lillian and Fannie who have passed on This Art form allows me to honor their memory and celebrate our cultural heritage
Each doll is the beauty and strength, and legacy of the women that inspire me
My Inspiration
My inspiration comes from my Granddaughter, Aleah. Aleah had a creative essence and loving spirit . She was the sweetest little girl who never had a bad word to say about anyone.
Aleah never complained about anything. She was very creative and was great in
everything she did, whether it was writing her stories, drawing, dancing ballet, jazz
or the latest dances. Aleah always had a big smile and an encouraging word when ever anyone was sad.
She passed away in 2018 from complications of Childhood Neuroblastoma. This type of cancer affects 700 children a year and found in children under the age of 5.
She was my little “Wonder Woman !” Her favorite Halloween costume for 3 years
Kiara and Aleah