Transforming Fears Into Art
While most kids grow up sheltered from the idea of death, Fresno State grad student Angle Lesnikowski spent her childhood surrounded by it.
Lesnikowski recalls growing up encompassed by her parents’ fears and phobias of dying.
Now, Lesnikoski has transformed those fears that she inherited into art.
“A lot of my work has to do with death and dying and the process of growing and the process of wilting. Like a flower, it’s alive until you pick it, and then it starts dying,” Lesnikowski said. “I feel like humans are the same way. It’s really morbid, but that’s how I grew up. That was my normal.”
Lesnikowski first picked up a paint brush in fifth grade and has since become a talented artist.
Her main medium is oil on canvas, drawing paintings that are full of both vibrant colors and darkness.
“Vivid cute, colorful worlds with this dark, depressing atmosphere,” Lesnikowski said. “There’s something about them that seems off, like something is wrong, but they kind of trap you in them.”
One of those people who became quickly fascinated by Lesnikowski’s work is Fresno State Art Professor Nick Potter.
“She’s relentlessly talented. It’s hard to teach someone like that because you just go, ‘wow,’ all the time,” Potter said. “She’s just really impressive.”
Potter credits her skill, commitment, and ability to paint quickly to what sets her apart from other students.
When Lesnikowski isn’t at Fresno State you will find her downtown at different art studios and among the art community she holds close to her heart.
“With how much effort I put into the community, there’s a lot of people that really show their love to me and support me,” Lesnikowski said. “I want to do something with my art that everyone can be involved with.”
Lesnikowski hopes her art addresses the uncomfortable feelings many have about dying, while also using her fears to make the most out of life and her art.
“The fear and anxiety of death and dying, that actually makes my art better, it pushes me more, and makes me more passionate because I need to do as much as possible while I’m here,” Angle Lesnikowski said. “I want to live as long as possible, and that makes me a better artist.”
Lesnikowski plans to pursue a Master of Fine Arts degree in Los Angeles, New York, or San Francisco after she graduates and continue her career as an artist.