Meet Heaven-Leigh Pettis | Singer/Song-writer, Visual Artist, Creative Director, DJ & Model

We had the good fortune of connecting with Heaven-Leigh Pettis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Heaven-Leigh, why did you pursue a creative career?
Ever since I was a little girl, all I ever wanted to do was create! I spent most of my free time drawing or writing songs. Any time I had a new art piece or new song, my parents would praise my work. I became more confident with each artistic endeavor and I knew if nothing else, I could always fall back on my craft. Art was my first love because it was my only true outlet of expression. When I was sad, angry, or even overjoyed, I found that I could communicate more effectively through my art and music. Expressing my feelings verbally could be challenging while writing songs and drawing always made sense. Art made me feel safe. I could never turn my back on it now.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What first sparked my artistic expression was watching anime. I started with doodles and replicating my favorite childhood shows, which led me to develop the art style I have today. I would describe my art style as alienesque (yet fashionable) creatures, all drawn to communicate a greater message or emotion I’m feeling. I’d like to think that I have created my own universe where both my zine, “FN Loserz” and my creatures reside. Drawing has always come easy to me but unfortunately, the motivation to create hasn’t, which can be quite an obstacle. As for “FN Loserz” it can sometimes be a struggle to curate exactly what I want the zine to represent. Initially, it started as me wanting to give the Dallas Underground a platform but without a steady team, the workload started to crush me. After taking a break and reconfigurating what I want my future magazine to look like, I’ve learned that at the end of the day, my destiny is in my hands. I cannot allow myself to succumb to the pressure of publishing. As long as I love what I do, no one’s judgment can stop me. I want the world to know that I am a force to be reckoned with. My art will always speak for me. I will always be Heaven-Leigh.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Most of my favorite places in Dallas are parks! If you love nature, let’s take a hike at the Cedar Ridge Preserve! If you’re hungry, we can stop at Vegan Food House, Taqueria Taxco, or the Tamale Company. Interested in art? Let’s go to the South Dallas Cultural Center where they have Charles Gray’s exhibit “Granny Said I Can Have One” on display.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to my close friends and family! There are so many talented people around me that it is hard to figure out who to shout out first! Shout out Mason, an amazing visual artist you all should be on the lookout for! Rachel Sukenik, Chris Harper, Isaiah Scroggins, India Janay, Pat Grahm, and Britney Orina for being amazing photographers and friends. Alanna Jamerson and Niche Everest who are the creators of Dallas’ own black and queer parties, “Tha Pixie Pound,” and dope DJs. We all have so much in store for 2024 and I am so excited for us to shake up the Dallas art scene.

Website: https://pettisheavenleigh.wixsite.com/heavenleigh

Instagram: www.instagram.com/heavenab0ve or www.instagram.com/artfromab0ve

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heaven-leigh-pettis-9803b5211/

Facebook: Heaven-Leigh Pettis

Image Credits
India Janay