About
Leigh is an emerging artist based in Meanjin / Brisbane. As an installation artist her work merges drawing, painting, projection and sculpture. Leigh is strongly influenced by the physical and psychological impacts of modern life on the natural world. She is interested in stimulating an activation towards a sense of being part of nature rather than to possess it. Her work is based on dualities of fragility and resilience in the search for hope.
In her ongoing research, Leigh aims to respectfully explore connections between self and the Australian landscape utilising decolonisation methodologies, as a non-indigenous artist.
Immersing herself in the materiality of process led making, favouring expressionistic, quirky narratives over realism, Leigh explores intuitive mark-making as a response to contemplated conflicting histories, stories and personal experiences with a place. The act of giving in to feelings, time, absence and subconscious thought evokes her process. The textures, shapes, lines and human-like characteristics that appear in Leigh's work enliven potential for re-imagination and reparation.
Leigh is currently undertaking her Masters of Visual Arts at Queensland College of Art, Griffith University. She also shares art experience to encourage awareness and engagement through her successful tuition studio and as an active collaborator on community projects.
Leigh pays respect to the First Nations owners and Elders past, present and emerging, in particular Yugara and Turrbal country. She feels it is important to acknowledge, embrace and learn from all histories of these lands we inhabit. Leigh is committed to growing her own knowledge to better inform her practice with hopes of being part of a more inclusive and sustainably diverse community.
CV
Currently:
Undertaking Masters of Visual Arts, Queensland College of Art, Griffith University
Founder of Road 2 Art studio gallery, Holland Park, facilitating classes, workshops and exhibitions with over 50 students attending per week (from age 6 to adults).
2020
Grim Life Class Traditionalism, Group exhibition curated by Dr Bill Platz and Emma Gardner (deferred due to COVID-19)
Design concept of a memorial garden for victims of domestic violence, Coorparoo, coordinated by Qld Government, Joe Kelly MP
Curated various Road 2 Art group exhibitions
2019
Curated Road 2 Art Annual Exhibition - exhibiting my artwork alongside students
Commenced post graduate studies at Queensland College of Art, Griffith University
2018
Unity Multicultural Art Event - interactive woven art installation first time in Australia
Unity Event art display - exhibitor
Community Murals for Camp Hill Bowls Club with Southside Artists Inc
ANON fundraiser exhibition
Artwork exhibited and auctioned for Scarlett May Foundation Charity Event
Curated Road 2 Art Annual Exhibition - exhibiting my artwork alongside students
2017
Exhibiting & online finalist Rotary Art Spectacular Exhibition, Brisbane
Exhibiting finalist Petite Pieces Exhibition, Aspire Gallery Brisbane
Black and White Exhibition, Aspire Gallery Brisbane
Art Coordinator - Community Australia Day Event in Holland Park
Project Manager – Celebrate Community Photo Competition Greenslopes
Artwork exhibited and auctioned for Scarlett May Foundation Charity Event
Curated display and exhibited at 125th celebrations for Coorparoo School of Arts
Community art & finalist for Urban Smart Projects in Holland Park, Bulimba & Wynnum
Community Pole Project, Bulimba Memorial Park (public painting project)
Exhibiting & sales at Southside Art Market April / December
Curated Road 2 Art Annual Exhibition - exhibiting my artwork alongside students
2016
Exhibiting & online finalist Rotary Art Spectacular Exhibition, Brisbane
Community Pole Project, Bulimba Memorial Park (public painting project)
Art Coordinator of Live Art Station/Display, Community Australia Day Event Holland Park
Curated Road 2 Art Annual Exhibition - exhibiting my artwork alongside students
Exhibiting & sales at Southside Art Market April / December
Community art and finalist fuor Urban Smart Projects in Holland Park & Greenslopes
2015
Bulimba Festival Art Hub – providing art activity and live artwork station
Live Art Hub - Community events Greenslopes over 6 week period
Curated Road 2 Art Annual Exhibition- exhibiting my artwork alongside students
2014
Founded Road 2 Art Brisbane – creative hub offering studio styled art workshops and classes for children, teens & adults
Artwork for Holland Park State School graduation including branding & invitation design, large scale exterior mural and an interior painting
1999 – 2013
Sole exhibitor for ongoing exhibition at Theodores Bar, Brisbane CBD
Churchie Emerging Art exhibition
Community Mural design concept and painting working with Yr5&6 students of an 80sqm Holland Park State School Brisbane
Extensive travel overseas and within Australia
1998
Graduate Exhibition - Arts Academy Brisbane - 9 artworks
Memberships and Affiliations:
Member Flying Arts Alliance
Member NAVA
Association Secretary & Member of Southside Artists Inc (NFP group supporting local fine arts projects & events in the community) - paused 2020
Education:
2019 to present, Master of Visual Arts, Queensland College of Art (Griffith University), Brisbane
1997-1998, Arts Academy Brisbane, Fine Arts studies majoring in drawing & advanced studio practice (Honours)