There is something about this big vast world that invites countless ways of understanding and seeing, of measuring its beauty. For me, I've found my niche in painting and architecture. Whether it's painting in oils or acrylics, portraying a surreal rendition of a landscape, woodcarving two branches into a bow and arrow, or water-coloring a beautiful building. Appreciating the world around me is my favorite pastime, but also my philosophy for life.
My name is Kassandra María Leiva and I am a Cuban-American residing in Essex, CT. I received my B.A. in Architecture at Princeton University and my Masters in Architecture at Yale University, and I currently work as an architectural designer at Centerbrook Architects. But most importantly I am a humble student of the world around us.
Artist Statement
In my work, I strive to interpret the world around me and create things that have a unique blend of reality, whimsicality, and dreams. As a younger artist I was always enthralled by the surrealists like Salvador Dalí, Kay Sage, André Bréton, and Magical Realism like that of Frida Kahlo, Leonora Carrington. I am from Cuba, originally, and this fact colors my approach to life in every way. You see it the colors I use, my love of animals and plants, my love dance, movement, pattern, texture. My most recent works are an attempt at reconnecting with my roots. Cuba for me is a mythical place, one I barely lived in and one where its older histories are as relevant as its present day state. For me this relationship with my roots is best captured my unique concoction of magical realism. In my works I portray human subjects along with flora and fauna. Intellectually speaking, I am interested in the theory of the animated. People, animals, plants, and objects vie for liveliness in my works. What brings my paintings alive is the play of color and flat ornament. The ornament in textiles or fabrics creates movement and life where there may not have been before and these textures rival the lushness of the creatures inhabiting the painting. Through my work I hope to convey an alternative definition of reality and being.
Take a look and enjoy!
~Contact me with questions, purchase inquiries, or commission requests~
My name is Kassandra María Leiva and I am a Cuban-American residing in Essex, CT. I received my B.A. in Architecture at Princeton University and my Masters in Architecture at Yale University, and I currently work as an architectural designer at Centerbrook Architects. But most importantly I am a humble student of the world around us.
Artist Statement
In my work, I strive to interpret the world around me and create things that have a unique blend of reality, whimsicality, and dreams. As a younger artist I was always enthralled by the surrealists like Salvador Dalí, Kay Sage, André Bréton, and Magical Realism like that of Frida Kahlo, Leonora Carrington. I am from Cuba, originally, and this fact colors my approach to life in every way. You see it the colors I use, my love of animals and plants, my love dance, movement, pattern, texture. My most recent works are an attempt at reconnecting with my roots. Cuba for me is a mythical place, one I barely lived in and one where its older histories are as relevant as its present day state. For me this relationship with my roots is best captured my unique concoction of magical realism. In my works I portray human subjects along with flora and fauna. Intellectually speaking, I am interested in the theory of the animated. People, animals, plants, and objects vie for liveliness in my works. What brings my paintings alive is the play of color and flat ornament. The ornament in textiles or fabrics creates movement and life where there may not have been before and these textures rival the lushness of the creatures inhabiting the painting. Through my work I hope to convey an alternative definition of reality and being.
Take a look and enjoy!
~Contact me with questions, purchase inquiries, or commission requests~