In the studio
Anh-Linh Trinh
When I heard that someone was about to start a new magazine called BORO all about my neighborhood—the People's Republic of Astoria—I was stoked. Then I learned that the man with the vision was none other than Julian Lesser, a popular painter with a very green spirit.
Born and raised in New York, Lesser received his BFA from New Paltz University with a concentration in painting. He moved to Astoria in 2005 and has never stopped creating art and exhibiting throughout the country. Here's the scoop:
Lesser brings a love of color and exploration to his pieces, which also incorporates the energy and rush of the environments around him. Inspired by his own life and journey for truth and purpose Lesser's work portrays the many facets of the human condition. By focusing on basic virtues Lesser's work breaks down walls and manages to transcend gender, sexuality and race, making his paintings accessible to the broad public.
I instantly formulated a two-pronged plan: Get myself involved with BORO and interview Julian for Planet Green. Mission accomplished.
[b]WATCH VIDEO: Earth: Environmental Art Warns of Change/b]
5 of Julian Lesser's Paintings
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My Conversation With Julian Lesser
Planet Green: You have written, "I believe that we all experience the same thoughts and feelings along our journey through life, each of us having the same spiritual core. Human beings share more in common than we often think." How is this reflected in your work?
Julian Lesser: Well, my subjects, most often, are meant to reflect "every man" or "every person." I rarely paint subjects that are closed off or hidden—they're usually open and revealing. They are revealing that inner, common spiritual core. For example, all the open flowers symbolize the human soul—honesty, rebirth, unlimited, openness, love, and purity (among other qualities). We all are like this when we first enter the world and we all retain it on some level or another (some more than others.) But when you look into another person's eyes—eyes alone—you can see through these common traits. Another example are the male figures. Most of the pieces aren't specific to one man or another—they are "every man." They are every human's struggle for answers and understanding in the journey of life.
PG: What has been the reaction to your work? Do you think people "get it" or is that not the point?
JL: The reaction to my work has been pretty great. People do really get it. I only wish I could reach a larger audience—but the audience I do have get it, love it, respect it as well as help feed my own enthusiasm. I love speaking with people about my work, what I am trying to accomplish and create. And the dialogues I have with them inspire me further because they help me see clearer. My audience share their ideas and impressions of my work and open my mind to ideas I might not have previously had. Their fresh impressions and thoughts open up my mind. They help me move my work forward. They, in turn, inspire me. I love audience feedback, I love touching people's lives with my work. I love making them think and feel through color and shapes. So for them to get it—or get something—is the point.
PG: What inspired you to take the plunge into publishing?
JL: Great question! Well, I believe that every day, every hour, I can positively influence the world around me. By smiling at a stranger, by giving up my seat on the subway, by being patient while waiting in line at the market. Simple acts of kindness that push positive energy out in the world. It's pretty easy to do this because it's my choice. I control my emotions, my actions, and words. I believe in this when I'm creating my paintings as well. I create my art for many reasons. But one of the top reasons is to allow people to experience my work and hopefully positively influence them: bring them an emotional experience and touching them. So when painting, I am making a choice to positively influence the world around me. But, through painting it's a very limited number of the population that I reach. That's just a fact. Only so many people have time to see it and fewer have the means to purchase it for their own homes.
PG: Hence, the attraction to the realm of publishing?
JL: I thought, why not create something that was more accessible and free? A free publication that gives people access to the arts but also, so much more. I can give them access to ideas which can improve their lives, enrich their day-to-day activities. And, with the publication, I get to work with other people to create the reading experience. It's not just me, in a studio with my paint. It's a whole group of people creating ideas and resources for public consumption. It's a team project. By combining the energy and ideas of many, we can make a bigger impact than one person alone and hopefully positively influence the world around us on a larger scale.
PG: How would you describe BORO?
JL: BORO is positioned at the forefront of the Astoria and LIC cultural, nightlife, entertainment, and arts scene. Combining strong community presence with local distribution and an online voice, BORO is THE voice for the new Queens. BORO highlights the best of Astoria/LIC, from the brightest up-and-coming personalities to the area's top restaurants, shops, and green advocates. The magazine and online portal are also designed to be go-to resources for daily living, tailored specifically for the area. The possibilities are endless: readers can learn about events, locate physicians and health services, get involved with social groups and clubs, find community service opportunities, or join sports teams and political organizations—if it's in Astoria, it's in BORO.
PG: How do you see BORO playing a role in the community?
JL: BORO is a visible and active participant in the community. We proudly donate a portion of our monthly revenue to local charities, as well as support fund-raising events and create unique community events through offline and online efforts. Quite simply, BORO is Astoria—created by Astorians, printed in Astoria, and distributed in Astoria. BORO provides exclusive information about area events, newsmakers and resources and serves as a practical guide for everyday living. And most importantly, for the community, BORO creates unique initiatives that improve the area's quality of life. In particular, BORO is already working to bring a green market to the area, with plans to create a composting program, organize an Artist Studio Walk, design a Wine Trail, and coordinate an Astoria Restaurant Week—all for the benefit of the local community.
PG: What is your role in the day-to-day planning and creation?
JL: I'm the publisher and editor of the magazine. I do a bit of everything. My responsibilities run the gamut. I've got my hands in things like writing, reading, and research to design, sales, and marketing. If you're working on the magazine, you're working with me in one way or another. I'm very invested in this publication and I believe in it. It's my baby and I love it. I want to see it succeed—not just for myself but for the community, the merchants, the readers and everyone involved in its creation. It's a project bringing positivity into people's lives.
PG: How can readers connect with you, your art, and BORO?
JL: To connect with my art, please visit my website where you can view all my work and find info about current and upcoming shows. You can also connect with me on Facebook.
To learn more about BORO please visit BORO or connect with us at Facebook.
