The Art of Breath- An interview with Leah Poller, Sculptor and Mother
A bit about you? Who are you? Where do you do you? What makes you you?
I was born in Biden’s hometown of Scranton. The energetic wanderlust of my parents quickly took us to Philadelphia…then Milwaukee…Washington, DC and finally Miami Beach Florida where I married, birthed 3 children, and used as a springboard into a dizzying life abroad in Paris, France after my divorce. While raising 3 kids on my own, multiple careers in film, book publishing, trade fair organization and the arts put food on the table.
Returning to the US after 20 years in Paris landed me in Soho where I began a life of art: curatorial, creative, literary and collegial.
Sinatra said it best: “I did it my way “…and am still doing it!
How did you come up with the idea to do a mother - daughter event for Mother’s Day?
After multiple visits to Asheville, which always included the Grove Arcade, Laura and I stumbled on an available store front and said “Yes”… perfect to have a window on the world with no intermediaries to see what we do, how we create, why touching people’s minds and hearts matters to us. Finally traveling after a year of Covid…time for celebration…what a wonderful way to share in the success of Adoratherapy, in a new location and with an embraceable agenda.
What mood are you in right now?
The Year of Covid was rough on everyone – As a family, we came away relatively unscathed, ready to emerge into the new dictum of post covid living: I feel saddened, needing all that is new, creative, inventive, healthy and soul spurring to return to a changed world. If I can help the world, the world will help me. It is there…being my best “me” is my goal.
How do you shift moods when needed?
I rarely get moody – so many irons in the fire that I am constantly being pushed and pulled to shift gears – from the internal to the external, the deep to the frivolous, the been there/done that…to let me try it for the first time. It always begins with taking a deep breath, planting my feet on the ground, looking up and saying to myself … “It doesn’t take an Einstein…let me try…” Announcing my intention out loud lets me hear it, helps me regroup. It literally expels the worry and gives me a fresh start.
What puts you in the best mood?
I am an aesthetic junkie; I love beauty. Sharing it, creating it…discovering it always sets me straight. Good food, good friends, good family….an unstoppable desire to see the bright side.
How do you adore yourself?
Adoring myself comes daily with the interaction with friends and family who are quick to lighten the spirit, share an emotion, ask for or offer assistance. The mirror of these simple gestures is how I know I will be ok, now and tomorrow.
What Adoratherapy products do you use? How do you use them? When, where, why?
I started with Room Boosts. Then I added them to my ironing…between my sheets. Then I tried a sampling of Mood boosts…and now, I never leave my bedroom without a splash of Adoratherapy as my new perfume. I know I smell good…people say so…I know I feel good…it works its magic!
Do artists need to feel differently than everyone else?
Artists start with heightened sensitivity…to color, shape, form…it matters to an artist to be intent, focused and questioning. The art world has a made a mistake by creating an elitist vision of art, success, and money. Artists create from nothing, give it life, offer it to the world, and then the “system says”…all those “kids” (paintings, sculptures, dance, etc.)…let a small group pick the few that matter and put them on a pedestal…so we deal constantly with rejection and frustration and asking “why not me?” It is a deep and destructive mind set.
Why the bed series?
I had an accident, was relegated to bed, and could only do small works in lightweight materials…the idea of working in my bed (Like Frida Kahlo-at the time) led me to create a dozen works. I instantly got a show and sold out. Hundreds of beds later…it’s history!
How did you come up with pairing the bed and aromatherapy?
After hundreds of exhibits I got used to watching people looking at the beds and responding with a smile, a giggle, an aha moment. Clearly, they came without preconceived ideas, confronted something new, and shifted their mind and emotions. Capturing that, adding to it by adding the sense of smell seemed obvious.
What advice can you give us?
In spite of a life dedicated to art, I know it was just a vehicle to self-realization. The greatest satisfaction has come from creating a family: first children and grandchildren, watching them become self-expressed and opening a pathway to be fully realized. But also friends. I have several grown adopted children, people along the way I have met that I invited into my life and have given my support and love to. I realized any extra love and nurturing I can provide along the way is life changing, so I choose to be mother to all who need it most!
Everyday a mystery lies before us…what should we do about who we are, who we can become…and our collective family is a vital element in the process. Each of my children has taught me something intricate and amazing.
Laura is always reminding me to breathe. That's why we called our event "The Art of Breath".
ENJOY!!
And happy Mother’s Day to all.
Love Leah & Laura
Additional Links
You can reach Leah on IG at @leahpollerart
https://leahpoller.com/
https://vimeo.com/140323931
