PIERRE LEICHNER Artist's Statement

Over the past five years I have been transitioning from a thirty-year career as an academic/administrator psychiatrist to that of an artist. This desire is fueled both by a lifelong dream and also by my dismay with the direction our health care system has been taking. During the past few years, I have become aware of many of the similarities between Science and Art. At their core, they share the pursuit of meaning. However, whereas Science uses mostly objective and quantitative methods, Art uses more qualitative and abstract means. Both embrace the same multifactor understanding, which includes biological, psychological, social-cultural, and spiritual factors. Furthermore, the past couple of years have seen an increase in my understanding that Art is not only about creating aesthetic emotion in an audience, but also about socio-political and philosophical issues. 

This appreciation is reflected in most of my works in that they address individual, psychological, social/cultural, and political issues simultaneously. Much of my work also explores the permeable and shifting border between aggressive and sexual impulses at a personal and a social level. I believe that artists have a responsibility to communicate with their audience – that their intention, at some level, should be accessible to most people. I am drawn to using elements of surprise, paradox and humour to do this. In this way I can slide “under the radar” of the defenses of the individual and the collective unconscious. 

I have not yet settled on any preferred media. I am ruling out methods that require large amounts of technical knowledge as mediating factors to the making of art. I am drawn to media where the hand of the artist can be visible in the work.  Although an idea alone can be art, I want to make art that evokes feelings, not just thought, and art that cannot be replaced or duplicated easily.

My goal is to pursue a Masters in Fine Arts, then practice full-time as an artist and teacher. As a scientist/health care provider, I have wanted to help others in need. As an artist, I want to be part of the journey of our consciousness in our pursuit of meaning.