Piper's Pintadas

About the Artist

Lesley Estrada is a Chicana artist, born in Washington DC and raised between Mexico City, Mexico and the DC area. She is the owner of a small business, “Piper’s Pintadas”, an online art shop soon to include party and workshop bookings. Born into a family that was surrounded by art and living in an epicenter of such diverse cultures and artists in the DC area, she was exposed to art at an early age. Her mother operated one of the first Female Latina owned International PR firms, A.B.L. Associates, in the late 70’s in Washington, DC. This not only allowed Lesley to travel to many places worldwide and expose art at each stop but really reinforced her love of all cultures. It was one painting that changed her life, her perspective to what art is for her, how to express yourself, all found in “The Suicide of Dorothy Hale” by Frida Kahlo. Lesley can distinctly remember at the age of seven, sitting there studying this piece at a traveling exhibit. She could never have imagined a piece of art could move her soul in such a way, Frida Kahlo became her drive to paint. Lesley is an abuse survivor and states, “I was abused by Art. Art lied for me. I hid. I found my pain. Art showed a new door. I am a survivor.”  Lesley conveys that she feels a strong connection with Kahlo’s artwork in that capacity. After 15 years in the Emergency Veterinary field there needed to be a way to fight compassion fatigue, burn out, chronic pain and not take a toll on her mental health. It was a difficult choice for her family, but changes were made so that she could be at home and still work ICU/ER services. She was able to spend her days drawing mandalas and Zen-doodling. Lesley also worked on large outdoor sculptures made out of recycled dishes. It just so ended up that the Estrada house became the “neighborhood kid hangout” for the snacks and the favorite dog, Piper. Lesley needed to take advantage of bored kids afterschool and invest their time elsewhere, this is how Piper’s Pintadas started. Every day afterschool kids would bring rocks to the house and Lesley would start a crafting club and taught children pointillism and the basics of painting. This club would last for years in the Newport Estates development in Gaithersburg, MD. The neighborhood was so supportive of the children coming afterschool for free classes and crafting that it was taken to the next level. The entire neighborhood came together under the direction of Lesley Estrada, and created a mural in their development. It was widely celebrated by the Gaithersburg Police department and media presence made it known that neighbors building bonds and working together make it safer through Art does make a difference. Acrylics and felt pens have always been a favorite medium but always up for a challenge, Lesley prefers her artwork not to be on paper but on everyday items! She proudly calls herself a recycling artist. There is the possibility of a splash of color and whimsical drawings somewhere!     Piper Estrada - The inspiration of the Art! Piper Estrada passed away from an aggressive form of cancer, Hemangiosarcoma. Although we will always appreciate EVERYTHING our home hospital of VCA Southpaws for what they did for her, it was the kids in the neighborhood that made our eyes flood with tears. They brought their rocks to Piper’s favorite spot in our yard, paying their respects.      

Artist's Statement

I have left the Veterinary field after 20+ years and decided to pursue my love of Art.  I have always incorporated small parties for friends, family, and neighborhoods but I love the idea of bringing recycling art out in the open. It's for everyone!