Artist Statement

Leah McClure states that “writing lays a platform to express the varied situational complexities in life and should paint a story that’s adaptable by many.”  The inspiration for her works is much like a living entity, where the characters are guided along the way, and the story itself is nurtured and cared for as it grows.  McClure’s perspectives are multi-pronged, because she is keenly aware of when something seems favorable to one person, it may be erroneous and life altering to another person who shares similar life experiences.  She understands how painting difficult situations in writing with a sugary coating that ends neat and tidy, can impede the reader from seeing the full scope, leaving them cheated.  Many times the best lessons are learned on the journey through the fire, not just after setting foot on the other side.  The characters in her work may give the appearance of a full and enriched life, yet in actuality they are tormented and haunted by trauma and pain, they may seem to have checked off all the boxes of a perfect life, yet inside they’re hoping to find inner peace, or the person who will fulfill that desire.

Reaching an audience that transcends race, gender, sexuality and social class is vital.  We may all be different, but our emotions are the common thread that bind us.  This comes through in each novel, and the reader often sees themselves in that character, regardless of what physical description is given -- just because two people in the same room are wearing panties, doesn’t mean that they both sit down to pee. Using the diversity of her surroundings, Leah McClure incorporates that ever important human touch, which in turn grants the bravado to make her novels stand out from the rest.  It supports one of her core beliefs: one should always challenge themself to look at and question life differently.