Lesa Dailey is a local Kansas City artist who believes that everyone has the ability to create something, whether a physical object or an atmosphere.
“We are all born creatives,” Lesa says. “Some people create with words, some do the type of thing I do, and others create intangible things such as an atmosphere of laughter.”
This leads her to always be on the lookout for inspiration, for different elements that call to her, depending on the color, shape and texture of materials she finds.
She began her journey of creating the tangible when she would work alongside her parents as they made their creations, and then together, they would take both her parents’ and her unique creations to craft fairs to sell.
It was in this process that she fell in love with creating tangible objects that bring people joy. From a heart inspired by vintage and fingers that recognize the movement of sculpture (clay sculpture was her favorite high school art class), Lesa uses those techniques through mixed media as she sculpts her characters. Whether you pick one of her characters or a vintage candy box, you are going to receive a one-of-a-kind piece because each one is a little different. Although you will always be able to recognize her style with the vintage elements, pastel colors and delicate details, no two are exactly the same, just as no two people are exactly the same.
As she begins each piece, her process starts with a sketch and then develops into her own patterns. “I am not good with anybody else’s instructions,” she says. She is self-taught and loves figuring out how best to create something that will make anyone who sees one of her pieces smile or laugh or experience joy in some way.
Her creations include Styrofoam bases with overlaid batting, so it appears as though the creature’s body is spun cotton. From there she works on the details of each piece, drawing inspiration from her love of the European style and features. There is an element of surprise to her creations, with ordinary materials such as pipe cleaners, glitter, crepe paper, coffee filters or batting, yet with those ordinary elements something unique is created. Lisa says her favorite medium to use is crepe paper for its versatility and large range of colors depending on where it was made and when.
The intangible gift of creating joy for someone else is important for Lisa to communicate. Upon request, she does workshops and retreats where she instructs others how they can create similar pieces. She has traveled across the nation doing different workshops and classes and wants everyone to walk away with their pieces looking like them, not just a carbon copy of her.
If you would like a selection from her or would like to contact her, you can do so on Instagram @Lesadailey.