Nora Leschinski grew up in a remote mountain village in the green forested heart of Germany. It was the perfect starting point for a wood carver, and nature provided its designs for inspiration.
leschiwelt – dandelions
Studying sculpture at art school opened up a whole new vista for her, and there she discovered her love for images and stories told through illustration, using the time to experiment with lots of ideas and many materials. An artist residency in France propelled her further into experimenting with paper sculptures and more graphical work.
leschiwelt – willow
Often working in small formats, Nora’s sculptures are richly tactile and colourful, her forms are simple and show a lovely play between primitiveness and sophistication. She feels good about working in this size – “It’s the small footprint needed for a closer look. And who it admits, is rewarded: worlds open up … and in the best case, there is the discovery of new ways of looking at things …”
Time and space to think are fundamental to her working process. Collecting all her ideas together, she puts them together in a large paper box which is divided into different areas according to themes. Over time, this has resulted in a “sizeable collection of brainstorms”, which she can constantly access. It’s kind of like a box of chocolates which can be taken out and savoured one at a time, or in combination to create new flavours.
leschiwelt – pomegranate (and other things)
Also telling is her choice of favourite artist – Rachel Whiteread is best known for making concrete or plaster casts of the interiors of everyday objects – like bookshelves, bottles or even entire houses. Nora is also drawn to the colours and shapes of Expressionist painter Feininger and the simplicity of primitive art.
leschiwelt – blue flower
Now making her home near Bernsdorf, Nora works out of the huge barn next to her house; it’s her place to build and dream and create… “eventually things arise that you have just discovered”. The surrounding spaciousness rests her mind and allows her to”meet the plant and animal world with curiosity”.
Woodcarving has its advantages, and her skills for constructing household objects are useful when the need arises. Like many artists before her, she often fills her own spaces with prototypes – for contemplation, and to spark fresh developments and new directions. Wooden reliefs, lamps, furniture, and more, in many different approaches and materials. Many found objects “become something finished after sufficient cooking time.”
leschiwelt – owl
leschiwelt – flounder
You can find more of Nora’s very fab art in her Etsy shop, leschiwelt, and on her own website, www.leschiwelt.de (sorry it’s all in German! – but you can always use Google Translate).