ALL ABOUT LEIGH-ANNE…… L.A.G.O.B.
Why all the initials??
A little background…. no judgement, please!
My maiden name, Leigh-Anne Gross, LAG, was how I was affectionately referred to by my close friends. And the nickname really stuck after my 17th birthday….My dad bought me a BMW. I know, spoiled brat…. (insert eye roll). Well, if that wasn’t enough to draw attention, my dad surprised me one day and switched out my license tag. Instead of the generic plate, Dad went for a ‘special’ one…. “LAG BMR” …. Pronounced, LAG Beemer. He was so proud, I was so embarrassed…. So, from that day on, I was humorously referred to as LAGBMR.
So fast forward to 2010, when I married my hubsy O’Brien, OB was added to my, already lengthy, initials. I already signed my artwork, LAG, so it seemed natural to add on the OB.
Side note, I now drive my three cherubs around in a minivan… LAGVAN… (I didn’t go for the vanity plate this time).
Where are you from?
I am from Gainesville, GA. GHS graduate! Go big red! Received my BFA in Sculpture from the University of Georgia in 2007. Moved to Vail, CO to be a ski bum after graduation, and met the hubs. He was from London, United Kingdom, so after we married, we decided to live in London for just under 4 years. Our first two children were born in London, and after moving home to Gainesville in 2013, our third child was born state side. I’ve come full circle, back to Gainesville, GA and loving this growing artistic community.
How long have you been an artist?
I’ve identified myself as an artist from day one. The saying goes, ‘everyone is an artist until they are told they aren’t’…. Luckily, I wasn’t discouraged along the way, and now I’m old enough to disregard any negativity and just do me!
How/why did you become an artist?
I’ve always loved to draw…. I honestly can’t remember when I started…. probably in Pre-K! HA! I focused on 2-D work until I studied abroad in Cortona, Italy and discovered my love of sculpture. I was very fortunate to have fantastic artist mentors through the UGA art department, particularly the late Kinsey Braham. I took some time away from the studio when my babies were tiny, and now they are old enough to participate in my process. At the moment, I am focusing on 2-D, as it’s more conducive to working at home with my children. They love to interact with me while I’m in my studio (right next to their play room :)) With three small kiddos at home, it’s chaotic, but it works. I’m so thankful they can see their mama making a living, doing what she loves.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I’m constantly inspired…. nature, people, places, architecture, the list just goes on and on….
Describe your current body of work:
With a curiosity for nature, Leigh-Anne is drawn to organic forms and is using watercolors and acrylics to interpret designs and patterns. Drawing inspiration from the city to the shore, LAGOB has varied subject matter. Living several years in London England, she is stimulated by the music and energy of a bustling city in her abstract works. And on the other end of the spectrum, she finds peace and tranquility from the seaside, and paints in quiet reflection from found objects of the East Coast shore.