Illustrious. Talented. Adept. Intelligent. Beautiful
are just several of many words that I can use to describe the woman named, Lesley Nicole Lewis. As a performing artist, she has graced world stages and dynamic visuals with the likes of Usher, Aaliyah, Stevie Wonder, Will Smith, Mariah Carey, Chris Brown, Jennifer Lopez, and many more. Basically if you can name the artist, Ms. Lewis has more than likely worked with them. She has blessed the big screen through her role in the notable, Academy Award winning film, Dreamgirls, as one of the Stepp Sisters; and is also a member of the singing group, Electrik Red [who has conquered the world avenue of female liberalism through their edgy music and take charge attitudes]. Oh, and she just also happens to be a rising visual artist. Yes, all of these things are encompassed by Brooklyn's Caribbean Goddess and the amazing part about it is, her mission is nowhere near complete. Check out my interview below as I explore Lesley Nicole Lewis, the visionary.
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Bria: As a Brooklyn native, how did the variety in Brooklyn's culture influence your creative perception?
Lesley: As an original born and raised Brooklyn girl, it stood as a colorful backdrop to my life and experiences. Being raised in a West Indian household, in East Flatbush, I was surrounded by West Indians all throughout my neighborhood. The food, music, and culture was all very Islandy. Then, all it would take would be a train ride down to Fulton Street, where I treated my obsession with gold jewelry, and those areas had very strong urban, hip hop American influences. I remember being mesmerized with graffiti, top designer name brand clothes, and bright colors. I learned quickly what was cool and what was not.
B: Was there a particular moment in your life that ignited your passion for the performing arts?
L: According to my parents, I was singing and dancing by the time I could walk. That's all I ever wanted to do and I never turned down a moment to showcase my talents for any audience that cared to be entertained. Sensing that passion from a very young age, my mom enrolled me in a non-profit organization called "Kids 2 Go". That's where I started gaining my technical vocal and dance lessons, and learned all about what it was like to be a true performer.
B: Has there ever been a time where you were forced to down play your creative vision for the sake of being a part of a project?
L: I have definitely been in situations where I may have had ideas that I thought would be amazing for certain projects, but I usually use my better judgement and try not to step on anyone's toes. It all depends on the situation. I've been on jobs where my opinion and input was more than welcome; and then I've been on others where they [creative director, choreographer] have a clear vision and there is no room for changing or exploring different ideas. So, you kind of learn to go with the flow.
B: What has been the hardest obstacle for you to overcome in the duration of your career?
L: The hardest obstacle for me, past and present, has been not letting the negativity and naysayers get the best of me. That's all. Just staying true to my inner voice and not giving a fuck about what any haters or doubters have to say.
B: Over the years, what has been the largest evolution you have seen take place in the dance industry?
L: The largest evolution that I have witnessed in the dance industry is the huge spotlight now on what it is like to be a dancer. So many TV shows have come out that are bringing dance back to the forefront of entertainment. Now, the audience is able to see the behind the scenes and creative process to all that a dancer's life entails.
B: You have a very accomplished and extensive career as a performing artist, but you also dwell in the visual arts. Was it natural for you to venture into that artistic area?
L: It was actually very easy for me to venture into visual arts. I loved to draw also at an early age, and without any formal training, I just continued to feed my passion for it throughout the years. I've been encouraged and supported by some of my closest friends, which is what made me start to take it a bit more seriously than I had in the past. I had my first art showcase last year in February and I sold all of my pieces. I was in complete shock. So I'm looking forward to doing another showcase in the near future.
L: People mostly. I am inspired by the greats...artists, actors, actresses, singers, rappers, musicians, etc. Other talent inspires me and I like to capture it on my canvas.
B: Do you aspire to transition your artwork into a business for yourself?
L: I definitely intend to transition it into a business. I'm excited about doing that because I hold so much passion for it.
B: What benefit does creative expression in both visual and performing arts provide for you?
L: Its almost like meditation for me. It allows me to be able to put my own "personal stamp" on life. Whether I touch someone through music or art, I feel like my voice and vision is being heard, and possibly inspiring others.
B: Finish this sentence. A visionary is...
L: A dreamer...someone with no boundaries or fears to venture into the unknown space.
B: What aspirations do you possess, not only for your career, but for your personal brand overall?
L: I would love for people to see the layers and depth that make me up as a woman. My background, past and present, has been my blueprint for what is to come in the future. I never want to be looked at as "just a dancer, just a girl in a girl group, or just an artist." I have embraced all of these talents and they feed off of each other, so I like to look at them all as a whole. They all go hand-in-hand in my mind and I just want the next generation to know that ANYTHING is possible! Never limit yourself!
B: 100 years from now, someone speaks about a young woman named Lesley Nicole Lewis, from Brooklyn, NY, what is the one thing you want them to be able to say?
L: I want them to be able to say that she was a special child of God; a good, talented, and humble woman. The paths that I cross in my lifetime, I want them to have positive, memorable moments of me.
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A special thanks to Lesley Lewis for the interview!
Connect with her here.
More of Lesley's artwork below.
Copyright © Lesley N. Lewis