Meet Lea Vena

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lea Vena. 

Hi Lea, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in a small town in West Michigan, just outside of Grand Rapids. My family had a little hobby farm where we raised a variety of animals. Chickens, goats, rabbits, and horses. You name it, we probably had it at some point. I learned how to draw just from watching them roam the barnyard. I am mostly a self-taught artist, starting from the ripe age of eight. Even though I was homeschooled I still took a few workshops and went to a co-op every week. I had a great teacher there who believed in me and gave me the encouragement I needed. Now of course a lot has changed between then and now. I had a lot of wonderful experiences. From trips to Mexico and Haiti, living on Mackinac Island, graduating from College, Getting Married, and raising two wonderful boys. All my life experiences from struggles to uplifting moments have influenced my artwork. I recently started dedicating time to work toward becoming a full-time artist. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support from those in my life and without the opportunities God has given me. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Well like most people they start somewhere. Some stick with their first choice and others jump around. Just like that question in kindergarten, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Well, it’s changed a lot for me. From a professional photographer to a graphics designer, then to a degree in computer animation. Yes, I did enjoy all those things, but something was missing. I left my fine art dreams back in high school. I started to crave holding a pencil and brush again. After I got married, I took a step back into that world. Now getting started again wasn’t easy. I felt stuck. I also compared my work to others. My art styles changed often because of it. I also had a cartoonist and animator background from college. I wanted to paint realism but those two were always competing in that space. Despite of self-doubt and conflicting interests, seven years later I’m finally on the path I want to be on. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I mostly paint wildlife but recently started focusing on Michigan landscapes including one of Pictured rocks, found in Munising Michigan. I did contribute to ArtPrize again this year and I think my entry “Gary the turkey” gave me the boost I needed. I’m proud of all my work. Each one represents a step forward even though I felt like I took a step back. My turkey painting made me so happy, but I know others enjoyed it while being displayed downtown Grand Rapids. 

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I see myself staying in Michigan and focusing on painting its wildlife and sites. I will still draw from my childhood and paint what inspires me, but my current style will still remain. I plan on continuing to enter various art competitions, building my portfolio, and getting my work into local galleries. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.leavenaartwork.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/leavena.art
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/leavenaartwork