The Path to Paper Art: Leslie Marnett Welch’s Evolution into Abstract Creativity
Hello, I’m Leslie Marnett Welch, an abstract paper artist based in Nashville, TN. My journey into the world of abstract art is one shaped by many facets of my life—from my time in the fast-paced world of celebrity makeup to becoming an advocate for children and embracing themes of self-image, resilience, and healing. But at the heart of it all, I’ve always had a knack for turning chaos into beauty and harmony. This sense of balance amidst tumult is a constant thread that weaves through both my life and my work.
From Makeup Artist to Advocate for Children
My artistic path began when I started working as a celebrity makeup artist in New York City. My career took me to fascinating places, transforming faces in a wide range of settings—from glamorous red carpet events to photo shoots, to life on tour. Every encounter was an opportunity to glimpse into the fleeting nature of beauty and the profound depth of human expression. Yet, as I traveled the world and interacted with diverse people, I began to feel a shift inside me—a deeper sense of meaning I wanted to pursue.
That moment of change came when I started volunteering at a children’s hospital in NYC. Repeatedly, I witnessed the resilience and grace of young patients facing overwhelming medical challenges. Their strength and ability to find hope in the most difficult circumstances was humbling and stirred something profound in me. The experience ignited a new sense of purpose, one that would lead me to make a bold transition in my career.
A New Path: Child Life Therapy and Art
Fueled by a passion to help children navigate their emotional well-being, I returned to school to pursue graduate studies in child life therapy. I wanted to learn how to support children through their formative years, a time when self-image begins to take shape. My journey as a child life specialist took me to some incredible places. I worked in the burn unit and cancer center in New York City, and ventured abroad to Cape Town, South Africa, where I coached children through the challenges of serious illness and complex medical treatments.
These unique experiences—working closely with children and families during some of the most trying times of their lives—greatly influenced my artistic practice. They taught me how to find beauty in unexpected places, how to balance emotional chaos, and how resilience can create strength and growth even in the most fragile circumstances. It’s a lesson I continue to carry into my art today.
Bringing Balance to Beauty and Chaos
Eventually, I returned to Nashville, reconnecting with family, community, and my roots. It was here that I found love with my (now) husband, embraced a new family dynamic with three fantastic stepchildren, and welcomed Byrdie, a playful parti-colored goldendoodle who perfectly embodies the balance of beauty and chaos central to my work!
As I found my footing in Nashville, I began to dive deeper into my art, creating abstract paper designs that reflect the lessons of my life. Using a vibrant palette and dynamic textures, my work encourages harmony to rise from turbulent, chaotic compositions. Much like the resilience I saw in children and the fleeting beauty I once captured through makeup, my art explores themes of healing, self-image, and the complexity of human emotions.
Art as Connection: Weaving Fragments of Life
Today, my abstract paper art serves as a reflection of my diverse experiences—from the dazzling world of makeup to the profound emotional work of child life therapy. Whether I’m in my studio, working with paper, or engaging with my community, my goal is always the same: to create connections. Through my work, I aim to celebrate both the fragile and resilient aspects of the human spirit, finding peace and balance in an often tumultuous world.
Art, for me, is more than just aesthetic beauty. It’s about weaving together the fragments of life, transforming chaos into something meaningful. My creations are a reflection of the messy, unpredictable nature of life—full of twists, turns, and unexpected moments of grace. And through it all, there is beauty to be found.
Thank you for taking a moment to learn about my journey. I invite you to explore my work and see how the layers of my experiences come together in each piece I create.
With love,
Leslie
