Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Denise Fleisch I am an abstract painter. I help people see a vision of what they like and love in their home, office, or public buildings. Painting has been such a journey for me and the clients who collect my art. The people who have been following me and my artistic travels have seen my art evolve from an elementary painting style, almost copies of another artists work, to a sophisticated, stylized way of showing who I really am as an artist.
I came into my own way of applying paint and using the space on the canvas with color, line, shape, texture and light. Most of my paintings are of 2 or 3 colors, very minimal. However, I use bright color to fill the canvas which makes a big statement. Even using bright colors people often say that my art seems very calming to them.
How did you get your start?
I got my start in painting with oils when I lived in Cleveland, Ohio. I wanted real art on the walls of my house. So I started painting. I’ve always loved abstract art. Thinking to myself, if other people can paint, why can’t I? So I did. That was 24 years ago.
What inspires you?
My inspiration comes from trusting myself and letting the universe guide me. I am from Arizona so the colors from the desert sky at sunset or sunrise always gives me the inspiration I need to paint. Color gets the creativity flowing. Sometimes it’s seeing shapes in buildings against the blue sky or a darkened doorway with light coming through the other side. I’m also inspired by people who love the paintings I create.
What do you like about AZ?
I love Arizona. I’ve been here all my life except for the years I lived in Ohio. Arizona is my home. You can be in the cool mountains in 2 hours, or at the beach in Mexico in 4 hours. We are close to one of the 7 wonders of the world, an hour and a half flight to L. A. We don’t have to worry about hurricanes, or being snowed in for days. We have the most amazing sunsets in the world with the saguaro cactus as a backdrop. No other place in the world has the colors that Arizona offers.
Where can we see you(r) work?
I just recently closed my gallery after six and a half years, Lotus Contemporary Art. But, there are several places you can see my art work. The MRL building on 24th St and Lincoln, the Lofts on Thomas, the Peoria Public Library, The Madison building on 16th St and Camelback, Phoenix.
What would you like to accomplish before you die?
Every man/woman dies – Not everyone really lives. Originally quoted by William Ross Wallace. There are plenty of things I would like to accomplish before I die. One of these things is to go to Greece. Spend a summer in Santorini. Drink wine, eat food, make art, go to the beach and fall in love. I would also love to have a solo art show in New York City. My name in the window of a New York art galley. That would make me happy. And my art on the cover of ArtNews magazine. Now, that is ideal.
What is your mantra?
My mantras:
1. Don’t believe everything you think.
2. It’s best to keep ones mouth shut and be thought a fool, than to open ones mouth and remove all doubt.
