Meet the artist
Shadows
Hello lovely, I’m Leila..
I’ve always been drawn to all things taboo, forbidden or hidden away in the shadowed corners of our world.
There's an undeniable intrigue to the realms our society deems off limits - nudity and sensuality, shadowy purveyors of illicit substances who deal in dreams and altered states, strip clubs that harbour nocturnal muses, cults and the psychology of the charismatic leaders and their devotees, conversations about consciousness, reality, death and grief - there’s a raw and unfiltered authenticity to it.
Similarly, I’m drawn to an individual's shadowy inner world and their depths, veiled from the external world. I have a desire to know people deeply, what drives them? What makes them feel loved? Who do they become when they’re backed into a corner? What do they fear about themselves? What are the secrets they guard for fear of judgment? There’s a beauty in the imperfection and vulnerability of these aspects, which I welcome with curiosity and compassion. Embracing the shadow side of oneself is a part of being human, and living authentically. There is no light without the shadow.
The Underworld Journey
In mythology, the archetypal Heroine’s Journey begins with the woman’s descent into the underworld, the underworld serving as a metaphor for her own subconscious mind or psyche. She faces adversity and challenges within this realm, through themes of loss, growth, and renewal, and returns to the world with newfound strength. The underworld journey serves as a symbol of the transformative inner journey, representing a passage from darkness into enlightenment or empowerment.
Throughout the years I've traversed the underworld on journeys of my own, discovering my reflection in many myths. I’ve encountered Lilith with her embodiment of fiery rage around equality, followed by Aphrodite, the goddess love, desire, and sensuality. I've ventured into the realm of Persephone, navigating the depths of the underworld, and now find myself drawn to the dark goddess Kali, and her aspects of creation, power, destruction, and death. I've lived countless lives within this singular existence, experiencing the cycle of psychological life, death, and rebirth as parts of myself continually evolve and transform.
The Invitation
There is deep and ancient wisdom here, working with archetypes. Though the use of symbol and imagery in my art, I encourage you to use myth and archetypes as an access point for self discovery.
So here’s your invitation…
Are you willing to look inside?
To discover your shadow?
Which myths and goddess’ stories are you drawn to?
Which do you see parts of yourself in?
Which parts of yourself are no longer serving you?
What parts needs to go, to allow space for a new part to be reborn?
How can you utilise the narratives in myth to heal parts of yourself?