NEW GALLERY: This series of artist conversations highlights the voices of the artists we show, acknowledging that artists are at the center of all we do, while also extending the show beyond exhibition dates.

With that in mind, I’d love to start by having you talk about your creative practice. Where did it begin? What does it look like now?

BERT LEVEILLE: Initially, I planned to be an actress. I went to a college with a small but very spirited drama school. I fell in love with the magic of the stage. But, then I kind of gravitated towards the art department. As time went on, I learned about abstract art and I found out that art was more about expression and less about reproduction. With that, I switched majors, but still loved the idea of creating an environment.

The stage is a magical place where you can be anywhere, at any time, and have any circumstances that you choose. The combination of these interests and experiences got me into installation art, where I am always playing with this idea of viewers being on the stage or in the art.

NG: I can see how directly that relates to the upcoming WATERFALL PORTALS installation exhibition.

BL: And then the light came into play. Early in my career, I was working with a photographer on a shoot where he was lighting machines in a factory with colored lighting. He explained to me that photography was painting with light, and I was really kind of jealous of that. I wanted to paint with light.

At that point, I began to add colored yard lights into my exhibitions, exploring what the colored lighting did to the canvases and the imagery. Today, I use synchronized LEDs that move and rotate color to play with how light changes each piece.

The other major element in my work are what I call “mindful beings”. They wanted to get off of the canvas at some point, so I started working with some 3D elements. Then I like to say that they wanted to move, so I began working with animation, too.

Ultimately, I'm exploring an abstract world, but it's based on my experiences and how things filter through me.

NG: What specific themes and subjects will you explore in WATERFALL PORTALS?

BL: I believe that our world desperately needs to awaken—that we need to become conscious. In WATERFALL PORTALS, I utilize imagery of waterfalls in particular to represent consciousness.

Water is so powerful. A little drip can become a canyon. Similarly, if one person becomes conscious, that consciousness can span outwards. The power of one individual multiplies to other individuals.

Through WATERFALL PORTALS, I'm searching for a vehicle for humanity to find that collective consciousness.

NG: It sounds like one of your hopes for the show is that viewers might feel more connected to each other and tap into something bigger than themselves. Does that feel right?

BL: Yes. I hope that viewers will connect to their inner selves, to others, and to consciousness itself. My hope is that they have a chance to reflect and leave with some peace. I want to contribute to the well being of our world. I hope that my art might play a tiny little role in it.

NG: Our entire society has become increasingly disconnected and distracted. Something I've been thinking about is the power of art to simply offer people time and space to reflect. Reflection in and of itself is powerful in a world where slowing down is not rewarded.

BL: An artist I know recently saw one of my exhibits and said that the work was like a visual mantra. I thought that was encouraging.

As artists, especially now, it's tempting to want to just give up; to quit creating. It’s easy to become overwhelmed and think, “Well, what difference does it make?” But, I've had people say, “Keep doing what you're doing. We need it.”

NG: Exactly. It’s easy to feel small amidst all the noise. But the reality is similar to what you're saying about the power of a water drop, right? The more we create and the more connected we become, the quieter that negative noise gets amidst our collective symphony grows.

"Water is so powerful. A little drip can become a canyon. Similarly, if one person becomes conscious, that consciousness can span outwards. The power of one individual multiplies to other individuals."

"I want to contribute to the well being of our world. I hope that my art might play a tiny little role in it."

bert leveille is a multi-media artist exploring consciousness via abstraction, animation, and mindfulness. leveille’s immersive installations combine 2D materials and 3D objects with video projections, dance, and more, encouraging viewers to immerse themselves in consciousness; become part of the art; and enter into an other world.

As an exhibiting and exhibition facilitator member of E* (formerly E-artgroup), leveille plays an active role in show development and guest artist selections. leveille served as a Chicago Women’s Caucus for Art (CWCA) board member on the exhibition committee. She is the principal graphic designer for E* and CWCA.

Images courtesy of the artist.

Artist Conversation
Alix Anne Shaw: The Matter of Immortality Obsolete Objects and Lasting Memories