Allyssa Leigh Sotold

Allyssa Leigh is an academic turned glass artist, musician, songwriter, and poet.

Philosophically and professionally trained as a Geographer with a focus on environmental justice, Allyssa understands Space and Place as active participants of energetic and creative flow. Her multi-genre works are rooted in collaboration with Space and the various actors who move in and out of a given place.

Her visual works span from functional pieces (votives & altar accoutrement) to abstract organic panels which utilize found objects and rescued glass. Embedding found relics allow her works to be of a place, as opposed to only existing in space. Her process centers intentionality and feels akin to meditation. Al strives to honor the craftsmanship and spiritual significance of stained glass, equally.

Recently, Allyssa is inspired by the potential for visual art to act as a vehicle for accessing realities which exist beyond the limitations of human language and words. More specifically, the reality of P E A C E on Earth. Though much of her work includes (and relies upon) words, she understands Peace as a reality which cannot be spoken or thought into existence. Rather, Peace lives in a transcendental space accessed and communicated by emotional and energetic exchange.

Al's musical style has been described as 'cosmic country' - spacey, raw, and with a touch of twang. A native Texan who spent significant time living in West Virginia, her songs tap into the rich tradition of storytelling. Playful and also way too serious, her music reflects the chaotic ups and downs of the journey she’s on with herself and the state of things in the world. Similarly, her poetry leans on sing-song rhyming schemes and upbeat cadence, all the while speaking upon the health of planet Earth and her own internal well-being.

Approaching her works as active and alive energetic beings, Allyssa carefully considers and executes each step of creation with intention to ensure there is healing-in-the-making.

Portrait by Brokaw Photography, 2021