J. Legay

You returned to art after a 30+ year career in social services. What emotions accompanied that transition, and how does it influence your work today?

Transitioning from a 30+ year career in social services back to art brought a mix of emotions—excitement about returning to a long-held passion, alongside some uncertainty about navigating a new path. It was both challenging and rewarding to reestablish myself creatively after such a long hiatus. 

My background in social services continues to deeply influence my work, often inspiring themes of empathy, resilience, and human connection. This experience has enriched my artistic perspective and helped shape the messages I aim to convey. 

Overall, reconnecting with art has sparked personal growth and renewed creative energy, guiding my current goals to create meaningful, impactful pieces.

You mentioned that your journey into digital art began with a young neighbor’s suggestion. What was it like shifting from traditional to digital mediums?

Shifting from traditional to digital mediums was both exciting and challenging especially since I would soon be entering my sixties and knew little about the digital age. Initially, adapting to new tools and software presented a learning curve, but it quickly opened many creative possibilities. Digital art allowed me greater flexibility with colors and undo options, which was a significant advantage. 

My young neighbor’s suggestion was instrumental—it encouraged me to explore a new medium I had not considered before, shaping how I approached my work to this very day. Over time, this transition influenced my artistic style by blending traditional techniques with digital enhancements. Although I still appreciate traditional art, digital mediums have become an integral part of my workflow.

J. Legay | Winter Camping | 2024

Your compositions often feature bold central subjects with blurred, atmospheric backgrounds. How did you develop this signature style?

The style featuring bold central subjects with blurred, atmospheric backgrounds developed over time as I looked to create a strong focal point while evoking a sense of mood and depth. I was inspired by both classic portraiture and contemporary photography techniques that emphasize selective focus. 

Using a combination of controlled lighting and depth-of-field effects, I aim to draw the viewer’s attention directly to the subject while allowing the background to complement without distracting. This approach helps to convey emotion and atmosphere, enhancing the overall impact of the piece. 

Refining this style has involved experimenting with varied brushes and tools to achieve the desired balance between clarity and softness. It continues to evolve as I explore innovative ideas and techniques.

Animals play a central role in your work. Why are they so important to your artistic vision?

Animals hold a significant place in my artistic vision because they embody both personal and symbolic meanings that resonate deeply with me. They serve as powerful metaphors for themes such as freedom, vulnerability, and the interconnectedness of life, which I often explore in my work. Emotionally, I feel a strong connection to animals, seeing them as reflections of human experience and emotion. 

From an aesthetic perspective, animals bring dynamic forms and textures that enhance the visual impact of my pieces. Additionally, my creative process is inspired by observing animal behavior and their environments, which informs both the style and narrative aspects of my art.

J. Legay | One Way Ticket To The Paper Woods | 2024

You describe your process as starting with the background. What does that reveal about the way you view the world?

What a thought-provoking question. I begin my work with the background because I see it as the foundation that anchors the entire piece. Starting there allows me to establish the context and atmosphere, which in turn shapes how the other elements interact and convey meaning. 

This approach reflects how I view the world—as layered and interconnected, where environment and context influence feeling and experience while trying desperately to work in harmony. Philosophically, it emphasizes that the broader setting informs individual components, mirroring how circumstances shape people and events. 

For me, the background carries emotional weight and sets the tone, grounding the narrative before focusing on details. This method aligns with recurring themes in my art that explore relationships between individuals and their surroundings. 

Unlike artists who start with central figures or objects, I prioritize the surrounding environment first, which often leads to a more cohesive and immersive composition. A personal example is how certain landscapes evoke memories or feelings that guide the development of the entire piece.

Some of your works feature surreal, hybrid creatures—like birds made of stones or origami birds in cosmic skies. What inspires these whimsical combinations?

The inspiration for these pieces often comes from a mix of nature, mythology, and dreams. I’m fascinated by the way seemingly unrelated elements—like stones and birds—can be combined to create something new and unexpected. These surreal creatures allow me to explore themes of transformation, coexistence, and the blending of the natural with the fantastical. 

Subjective experiences and emotions play a big role as well. Sometimes, these hybrids emerge from moments of reflection or a desire to capture the fleeting, magical aspects of life. Artistic influences like surrealism and traditional paper art also guide my creative choices, inspiring me to experiment with texture, form, and space. 

In terms of process, I simply enjoy layering dissimilar materials and techniques, through digital collage to bring these imaginative visions to life.

J. Legay | Mechanical Iris with Aviary Veil | 2025

How do your experiences in homesteading and gardening appear in your digital paintings?

I often incorporate elements from nature—like plants, soil textures, and natural light—that I engage with regularly on my homestead. These themes inspire much of my subject matter, often focusing on the cyclical rhythms of growth and change that I witness firsthand. The colors I choose are usually earthy and vibrant, reflecting the lushness and subtlety found in a garden throughout the seasons. 

Personally, these experiences keep me grounded and connected to the natural world, which translates into a sense of calm and mindfulness in my work. For example, spending time nurturing plants teaches patience and attention to detail—qualities I bring into my painting process. 

Technically, I enjoy using digital brushes that mimic organic textures, allowing me to blend traditional, tactile elements with the flexibility of digital media. This fusion gives my artwork a unique balance between hands-on experience and modern creativity. 

Overall, my lifestyle infuses my digital art with a mood of tranquility and respect for nature’s cycles, which I hope resonates with viewers as something both familiar and inspiring.