Lesli Zerr

I grew up in a family of artists in Denver, where children were encouraged to experiment with art materials and the natural environment. Always intrigued by the southwest, I moved south and studied Art, Dance, and Psychology at New Mexico State University (NMSU). After

earning a Masters in Art Education, I taught Art and Yoga for 36 years in the Las Cruces Public Schools while completing my yoga teaching certification, which directly informs the sculptural process I love. My husband, David Kwiecinski is also an artist, and we have been renovating and living in an old schoolhouse north of Las Cruces for some time. “The house is our collaborative piece”; we share the space with cats, dogs, flower & vegetable gardens, and art.

My work explores the intersection of mythology, femininity, and nature through the medium of clay. These sculptures embody archetypal female figures—guardians, dreamers, and nurturers—brought to life through textured surfaces, symbolic gestures, and whimsical adornments.

Using both terracotta and mixed media, I aim to celebrate the expressive potential of the human form. The tactile swirl patterns, floral motifs, and celestial shapes are not just decorative; they serve as visual metaphors for cycles, growth, and transformation. The materials I choose—raw clay, matte finishes, and metallic accents—emphasize the organic and grounding nature of the feminine spirit.

Each figure holds a story, rooted in personal reflection and universal themes. The circular form of the orbiting spheres, the offering of flowers, the upward gaze—all suggest a reverence for ritual and cosmic connection. Hair becomes crown, skin becomes clay, and hands become vessels of intention and offering.

Ultimately, these sculptures are a tribute to resilience, beauty, and the timeless connection between body, earth, and myth.