Connections 2 (2005)

About the Artist:
While art had always been her hobby, Leslie Bridges didn't pursue art professionally until 1995, when she began showing her watercolours and drawings in Orillia, Barrie and Toronto. Her focus was on detailed house portraits and "English" style watercolours.

Bridges was a seasoned teacher having taught from grade one to college in the public school system and teaching numerous subjects at the Orillia District Collegiate Vocational Institute for 17 years. In November 1998 Bridges suffered a mild traumatic brain injury.

Bridges couldn't read or write for a year after the accident. She had to give up teaching. She couldn't do the detailed art work that she had previously done. Then one clever therapist suggested she "paint my feelings" about the brain injury. At first her paintings were just raw colour, texture and emotion. Then detail began to return. The end result is that her art is now richer in the human theme than it ever was.

Artist's Statement:
Although my brain injury has stopped me from teaching in the public school system, it has been the best thing for my art, as I can now do it at my own pace and in my own style.

I specialize in giving private art lessons to people with neurological disabilities, as I understand their situation from the inside out. The advantage of this is that my current paintings have evolved as a result of my having to demonstrate certain concepts to students in a way that honours their challenges and successes.

I get the sense from interested clients and viewers that my struggles with brain injury and all its associated challenges are apparent in my work and that somehow provides comfort and inspiration to others who may be facing huge obstacles in their own lives. What more could an artist ask for? I could never have painted such meaningful work before my accident. My art has made me thankful for my brain injury.

Exhibitions:
Trinity College Art Sale – University of Toronto (biannually since 1998), Toronto, Ontario
Victoriana Show, Toronto, Ontario
Orillia Museum of Art and History, Blooming, Art Show, Orillia, Ontario
Zephyr Gallery, Women’s Art Show, Orillia, Ontario
Tiffin’s Creative Centre, Orillia, Ontario
Downtown Orillia, Art Walk, Orillia, Ontario
Christmas Celebration of Fine Arts and Crafts, Barrie, Ontario