Leland Neff, Painter & Photographer, Manhattan, NY, USA

Leland Neff: "I do believe ones essence can be seen in one’s work.  If one looks at my work one sees me clearer than if one looks at me directly." 

Leland Neff  - photo by Matthias Clamer

BPP: Identity: Who you are? And who you really are?

Leland Neff: My name is Leland H. Neff.  I’m an artist: painter and photographer from the United States of America.  My name means the land and I believe is appropriate for me.  I feel grounded with an appreciation of the land.  I see and I try to express what I see in my work. 

" Schoharie Creek" - Image courtesy: Leland Neff

Leland Neff: I often find others not to have the desire to look but instead learn in other ways what they think that they’re seeing without the investigation or question to look.  My work is challenged based in the way of an adventure.  I’ve lived and traveled to all parts of the world with enthusiasm for each new adventure and vision.  My work comes from this excitement and desire to share what I’ve seen and feel.

"7 of Hearts" - Image courtesy: Leland Neff

"Riddles, Hoots & Saga" - Image courtesy: Leland Neff

BPP: If you could say something important you've learned all these years of your life, to the other people and they were able to listen to you, what would you like to tell them?

Leland Neff:There are three primary colors.  All colors seen are combinations and percentages of those three primary colors: red, yellow, and blue.  Any combinations of these colors are beautiful and takes away any fears of creating anything but pure beauty.

    Leland Neff & Lady  - Photo by Yasmina Rossi

BPP: What is your real dream, the one that keeps you awake at nights and if one day it will come true, you will feel your heart calm and peacefull?

Leland Neff: All the artist’s work that I’ve loved reflected their environment and their life.  My dream is or was  to create a beautiful life to reflect.  I’ve been developing My Land, a 150 acre horse farm surrounded by rivers, hills and forests, with all the friends that are born on the farm.   I grow most of my food in a garden and cut and split my wood to stay warm.  I grow my own flowers and watch the births of my beautiful herd. 

"Leland tree snowscape" - Image cortesy: Leland Neff

 Peace on the farm was taken away last end of summer when a flash flood came and washed my beautiful herd of 22 horses away.  The day before I indeed after all the nights dreaming had believed the dream was a reality come true, then gone.  I am thankful to at least have realized my dream and have had time living my dream.

"Dusk" - Image courtesy: Leland Neff

"Loca & Leland Neff, San Marcos Sierras - Photo by Pelito Gavez

BPP: How is life for the people in your country today? What do you wish to happen to them and to the people of this planet at large?

Leland Neff: I have as I said lived in many parts of the world and met amazing people everywhere.  I’ve been embraced by people of many religions and cultures and many levels of society.  There remains pockets of bitter, uneducated people that strike out of fear and jealousy and ignorance.  I wish all to be enlightened.

"Lilies" - Image courtesy: Leland Neff

"Schoharie Creek II - Image courtesy: Leland Neff

Leland Neff riding Dias - Photo by Matthias Clamer

BPP: If you had the chance to be a child again, will you choose to do the same life you do?

Leland Neff: Oh I probably would.  I would thank my beautiful mother many, many times more though.

 "Son of the Hounds Keeper" - Image courtesy: Leland Neff

"Uninonville Steeplechase" - Image courtesy: Leland Neff

BPP: Which exactly was the moment you understood what you want to do in your life? How did you feel at this very moment?

 Leland Neff: There was never a moment nor a moment of hesitation or doubt.  I have followed my heart for better or worse and no matter what. 

Leland Neff - Photo by Pelito Gavez

BPP: Something yours: Do you want to tell us something we didn't ask you until now?

Leland Neff: I do believe ones essence can be seen in one’s work.  If one looks at my work one sees me clearer than if one looks at me directly.

Leland Neff's drawing for BPProject

If you want to learn more about Leland Neff, visit:

http://www.lelandneff.com
http://lelandneff.blogspot.com/


Paintings © by Leland Neff. Photos © by Pelito Gavez, Yasmina Rossi, Matthias Clamer. All rights reserved.