I found myself one day wandering outside of Negative Space, an amazing gallery and performance venue, located on the second floor in the Asia Town Center in Cleveland. The Asia Town Center is kind of like a mall, with two floors mostly specializing in Asian food and culture. On the second floor there are several art galleries, including Negative Space. As I was passing one of these galleries, "Tessa's Art Gallery", I noticed someone working in the back. Now, if you know me, you know that I love artists. There's something about a creator...a certain energy. In my experience, they're not all saints, but most have this way about them. An openness. You have to be open in this crazy business. How else to stay creative? If you collapse in on yourself, you lose touch with that inner spirit. (At least that's the way it's been for me). So...ah! An opportunity...
I crept in kind of quietly; I know how interrupting an artist can be annoying to them. I'm that way. Over her space was a sign that read: "OMG! More art! Come on in!" So hell yeah I came on in. I knew immediately that I was in a good space. Big smile, an honest happiness that I had come in. I thought okay, this will work. As you may know, I love art in Cleveland and have taken to writing about local galleries and artists. I do this for two reasons: 1. It's the best way to network with other creatives and 2. I learn about the artistic process from those on the front lines. Even though I'm 70 and have been creating in some capacity for 50 years, I've found there's a hell of a lot I don't know, especially since I've been doing this full time for only 3 years. I've also found that the older I get, the less I know in general.
Her name is Tessa LeBaron, a bright up and coming artist, whose works have an ethereal feminine energy. An example is attached. She mentioned that a lot of her work deals with grief, which is an experience we all know, and one that begs to be expressed. In these confusing and difficult times, we need connection, and that's what artists do. I asked her a few questions about her art as well as her beliefs about art, and art in Cleveland here in 2025.
Can you describe the moment you knew you were an artist?
I knew I was an artist when I was in Elementary school. I was always drawing and I knew that I needed to create. Subconsciously in the beginning, the art making process was intrinsic to how essential this was to myself, and I realized that being an artist was my way of living. I remember drawing birthday cards for my relatives at an early age. I loved sharing my art with others and making people smile as a kid. I remember being fulfilled in the art making process simply for experimentation and observation. In my teenage years, I loved making art that people questioned and wondered upon.
Please describe your artistic background: any
training/schooling/self teaching, etc
I’m basically a self-taught artist. After high school I went to community college for 2 years taking Graphic design courses. But my true love was visual art. I then went on to work in print shops making T-shirts and doing graphic production for about five years.
What moves you to create? Why do it?
Making art is a form of thinking we access from empathy. I feel that I need to visualize and mark down my encounter with the world. To me, making art is a tangible release. When I’m not painting, I enjoy journaling, collaging, making vision boards and documenting my experiences and thoughts. The art making process extends into who I am and more than just expression; it teaches me about decision making, patience, observation, problem solving, and attention to detail.
How did you come to be in your current studio?
I found my current studio because of Gadi Zamir at Negative Space gallery. I've had the wonderful experience of having art space at Negative space for the past 5 years, and now I have a little more studio space.
I personally believe that art in general is experiencing a
renaissance, and certainly in Cleveland. Do you agree, and if so, why?
I don’t think Cleveland is experiencing a “renaissance”. I think there are amazing works of art being displayed around town, but in this day and age, us artists are being challenged with technological changes for sharing artwork such as algorithm visibility, AI, and there have been multiple galleries closing in the city. I feel that there are incredible artists in Cleveland individually making great works of art, but as a collective, I don’t think there is a specific fervent period of a rebirth of work happening yet...
In today's trying times, do you believe art can be used to
counteract what seems to be a growing hate and division not only in
this country, but around the world?
Yes I think art does have the power to unite people. I always say religion and politics divide, and art and music bring people together.
To be an artist is a really tough choice in vocations. The
definition of "success" is very subjective. How would you define
success as an artist?
Success is different for everyone. For me, being able to keep afloat with selling art and having the freedom to paint whatever I want and collaborating with fellow creatives means the world to me. Of course I want to prosper with my work, but my happiness is richer than any money.
Who are your biggest influences, both locally and among the most
well known artists?
Contemporary artists that inspire me are: Andy Warhol, Frida Kahlo, Conrad Roset, Brandon Boyd, and Molly Crabapple.
I love the visual communication and simplicity of Warhol's designs, I love the women power symbolism in Kahlo's paintings, and the ink spills and illustrative qualities in the other artists that inspire me.
For any beginning artists out there, what would you like to say to them?
Please include any upcoming shows that you'll be in, as well as
information about purchasing your work.