Leslie Roy Heck, Art in Public Places

Saratoga Springs Visitor's Center

297 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY

October 1st-30th, 2024

Artist Statement 

My preferred medium is encaustic, which dates back to the Greco Roman period and means “to burn in.” It involves heating beeswax, damar resin and pigment and applying it in layers to a wooden panel. The translucent and opaque qualities of the layered wax create dimension and luminosity which gives intense depth to the subject. Motion, pattern, texture and light are intrinsic to my expression; I am inspired by details, whether it is the trim on beautiful costumes, or a color, texture or shape spotted in nature.

At the age of seventeen I was accepted into the New York City Ballet and spent the next thirteen years there dancing in over 80 ballets. I was fortunate to have worked under the tutelage of George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins, two of the greatest choreographers of the 20th century, and retired as a Soloist in 1989.  My work as a dancer is an integral part of my being; this fulfilling experience formed the beginning of my artistic journey.

I am motivated by my love of textiles.  Many of the patterns, colors and textures I use in my art are influenced by the many years of wearing incredible costumes designed by Barbara Karinska. An up-close look at the beauty of her masterpieces gave me a huge appreciation of how color, pattern and texture can work together, and not only introduced me to amazing quality and craftsmanship but impacted my aesthetic views.

Working with great choreographers, talented dancers, incredible musicians and masterful set and costume designers taught me many valuable things that I have kept with me throughout my life.  My experience of dancing the repertoire of classical and neoclassical ballet intrinsically taught me to understand pattern, shape, balance, design, rhythm and energy. Little did I realize how choreography would eventually play out on canvas. I am mostly self-taught as an artist: the inspiration I gleaned from my career in dance continues to guide me in the development of my visual language and embodies many of the dynamic qualities of ballet. Through this medium, I find my past intertwines with my present experience.