Cinematic Paintings by Leticia Sánchez Toledo
Leticia Sánchez Toledo is a painter and graphic designer based in Miami with roots in Spain and Cuba. In her work, Leticia creates narratives that are both compelling and mysterious - often leaving the viewer feeling as if they're glimpsing a moment frozen in time. These cinematic paintings often suggest a larger, overarching storyline is unfolding without revealing the plot line at hand. Her characters - usually immersed in a dramatically lit landscape - possess a dreamlike quality, blurring the line between real and imaginary. In this interview, Leticia discusses the inspiration behind her work as well as her approach to painting.
Hi Leticia! Tell me about your background and where your creative journey began.
I have painted for a lifetime, but I started to take it more seriously when I finished my graphic design studies. At that moment I started to try acrylic and oil for the first time.
Many of your paintings have a cinematic quality and sense of mystery, as though you’re capturing a story that’s unfolding. Can you tell me a bit about the narratives you create in your work?
My objective is to arrive at the same representational intentionality through different paths: to capture the dramatic energy contained in a cinematographic plane, and to manage to express that inaccessible content with the potential of the painting medium.
What is just a fleeting moment, imperceptible to the human eye, unable to apprehend all the wealth of information, all the visual subtleties that make it up, painting is capable of turning it into a resounding presence, a presence given to contemplation.
What does a typical day in the studio look like for you, and how has your art practice evolved over time?
Painting is a habit for me, I work every day, sometimes I take a break and that's when I take time to look for new ideas and study, but my mind is always focused on my work. I am very interested in evolving and I do not like recipes that pigeonhole me in a style, I like to challenge myself and always experiment, look for new solutions that make me grow as an artist.
How has your experience in graphic design influenced your paintings?
Studying design has been very supportive for me, and I think it has influenced me in a positive way because it has made me analyze the image from a different perspective, relying on digital media to reach the final solution.
What are some of your proudest moments as an artist so far?
I consider myself an emerging artist, but I am proud of what I do, because I adore my profession every minute and I enjoy it. Being able to complete a personal project is very gratifying to see all the pieces coexisting in a space.
How has Instagram impacted your career as an artist?
It has been very positive, it did not take long but it is great in many ways because it is a way to promote my art and reach more interested people.
Where do you hope to see your work in 5 years?
I would like to see my work in Museums, galleries, books, etc.
Follow Leticia on Instagram at: leticiavisualartist
Website: www.leticiasancheztoledo.com