After several years as a resident of Los Angeles, artist Lesley Reppeteaux lived as an ex-pat in Paris, Barcelona and Berlin before making a more permanent move to Portland, Oregon. Known for eclectic, poignant painting and illustration that often includes portraits of quirky lasses, Reppeteaux’s art mixes the sublime with a shadowy expressionism. Art Ltd. magazine recently listed Reppeteaux as one of several notable artists in “Pop Surrealism” to emerge from the West Coast. The Halifax, Nova Scotia native is also a comic book author/artist under the name Black Olive (through Slave Labor Graphics). In her comic Outlook:Grim, Reppeteaux brought to life a kick-ass heroine who fought the supernatural. In Screwtooth, a frail, wheelchair-bound girl found hope from within her trapped chambers.

This Friday, Reppeteaux returns to our city with a new exhibition titled “Tumbling” at Thinkspace in Silver Lake. Inspired by the Greek myth of Hades and Persephone, “Tumbling” uses installation and paintings to convey a mournful tale about time and love. It’s an appropriate show to take in as we segue from summer into fall. You can view a sneak peek of the exhibition here. LAist spoke with Reppeteaux about her latest work.

The Greek myths are such powerful stories. What was it about this specific myth that you wanted to communicate through your art?

When I first read the myth, I was instantly attracted to it. It’s such a beautiful story – it has aspects of loss and forgiveness, the bonds of love, and a feminine strength that I hold so sacred and dear. I have a background in Illustration and comic books, and my paintings have always reflected my love of literature. It seems like a logical step that I would be so drawn to creating a body of work that tells a narrative.

How would you describe “Tumbling”? How many pieces will be in this show?

There are 22 paintings in “Tumbling” and when hung in order they will tell the Greek myth of Hades and Persephone. It’s a love story between a mother and her daughter, as well as two impassioned lovers. This will be the only time the whole series is hung together, so I hope everyone gets a chance to come out to see it. I’ll be creating a huge 10-foot mural as well as other surprises in the gallery to help the story move along. When completed, the installation should invoke a strong ethereal beauty and take everyone on a journey into the fable.

When I think of your art, these things come to mind: feminine, moody, and lyrical. There's always a dash of fantasy, a bit of the peculiar and a little somberness.

Hah! I think you nailed it! My work always seems to begin with the concept of creating a world, telling a story, or sharing an adventure with the viewer. My characters do tend to be somber. Maybe it’s a moment of surrendering I’m trying to recreate -- of reflection.

How do you start working? When inspiration hits, do you do sketches in a notebook first, then head to the canvas?

Inspiration hits all over the place, at any time. I tend to do a lot of napkin drawings when there isn’t paper handy. My process can vary, but mostly I start compiling a list of ideas, then work into the planning stages on paper. I’ll collect a lot of references, and then move onto painting.

You also do comic books. What is it about painting that you can't quite do in comic book form and vice versa?

Working panel to panel has a different rhythm to it then painting. Maybe it’s the same concept as directing for TV versus a full-length film. Your “timing” is very different.

How do you know when you're finished with a painting?

Wow, I have never even thought of that before. I honestly don’t know how, but I just know. Although, I can say that I “just know” a whole lot faster now that I’ve been painting for so long. I probably had a tendency to overwork pieces when I was first starting out.

Now that you don’t live in LA anymore, do you miss anything?

I miss Venice Beach! I miss riding my bike up to Santa Monica, I miss Abbot Kinney and I miss Joe’s Diner on Main Street. I can’t wait to get some good eats when I’m in town!

This is your second show at Thinkspace. It seems to be a special venue for you.

The folks at Thinkspace have been so wonderful to me, and to all the artists they support. We have a relationship based on mutual respect and a great passion for the genre of art they show. Andrew, Shawn, and LC have always trusted me to do my thing, and do it well. And in turn, they kick ass on their end 100 percent of the time. At this point they are part of the family.

Can you tell us about the installation that you are doing? Why did you decide an installation would be the appropriate medium?

It’s just so much fun working big and transforming the entire gallery into an other world. I want people to step in and feel the excitement behind all the work I’ve created. I want to generate a feeling of awe, of inspiration. And it’s going to be a big, fat secret so people have to come on out to get a peek at it!

Artwork used with permission by Lesley Reppeteaux

“Tumbling” - new work by Lesley Reppeteaux
Opening Reception: Friday, Sept. 12 from 7pm - 11pm
On view: Sept. 12 - Oct. 3

Thinkspace Art Gallery
4210 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90029
(323) 913-3375