Leidy Laura Bencosme (1991) is a self-taught artist who uses art to express her feelings and continually challenge herself. Her work reflects a deep sense of beauty and awe, rooted in the vibrant culture of the Dominican Republic where she grew up. From an early age she was drawn to the fine arts, developing an intuitive command of color, composition, and texture that would shape her creative voice.

In 2009 she moved to New York City, leaving behind home and friends to start anew. The transition brought the added challenge of learning a new language and adapting to a different culture. Those early years were difficult—plans unraveled and life often felt like a surging, uncontrollable wave. Painting became her way to “surf” those moments: not merely a coping mechanism, but a disciplined practice that brought internal peace. Working with oils, canvases, brushstrokes, and subtle blends, she found a way to translate both reality and imagination into luminous, emotionally resonant images.

Although she never received formal fine arts training, Leidy mastered oil painting techniques that led to a brief professional engagement at the prestigious Guillo Pérez Art School in the Dominican Republic before her move to New York. She continues to develop her craft, driven by curiosity and an insistence on growth, edging closer to the artistic goals she has set for herself.

Today, Leidy shares her passion with her best friend and husband, Jonathan Castillo, a devoted admirer and steadfast supporter of her work. Together they nurture her practice as she continues to explore the interplay of memory, place, and color—bringing the warmth of the Caribbean and the energy of the city into each new piece.