Leyla Brodie on Painting as Discovery and the Milestone Work 'Spirit Warrior'

Leyla Brodie, a painter who has lived in various parts of Europe and Latin America and currently calls Canada home, views her artistic process as an evolving dialogue between intention and instinct. Her artwork captures the emotional essence of landscapes and experiences, focusing on sensation rather than exact representation. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, Marc Chagall, Hilma af Klint, Georges Braque, Paul Gauguin, and Emily Carr, Brodie's approach has shifted from realism to abstraction while still referencing familiar settings. A significant piece, 'Spirit Warrior' (acrylic on wood panel), originated as a realistic portrayal of a pond in Madrid's Parque del Retiro during a challenging time. As she let go of control, unplanned imagery emerged—a floating female figure, water lilies, a hummingbird, and a shamanic presence. This artwork signified her shift away from strict realism, highlighting the importance of spontaneity and trust in her creative journey. Brodie's studio practice merges consistency with exploration, allowing each piece to dictate its own path. She aspires to further develop a more intuitive visual language defined by color, texture, and gesture, while treating landscapes as emotional realms and memory as a fundamental element.