I love creating and teaching in ways that resonate with the soul.

 

Creative Influence

I would say my passion for art and movement is rooted in my childhood and my professional career. 

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As a child growing up in South Africa during the 1950’s, I did not have all the man-made gadgets and toys that we do today. However, what I did have was an unlimited supply of creative materials provided by nature. I was always using my imagination and creating art with whatever I could get my hands on – sticks, rocks, and flowers of all shapes and sizes. I was always drawn to art as it was an activity where I could express myself, detach from childhood challenges, and feel good about my unique talents.

 

As for my professional career, I was a ballet dancer, teacher, and choreographer. I worked hard at my craft and was fortunate to be a part of three world-renowned ballet companies, including The Royal Ballet in England, The Stuttgart Ballet in Germany, and The National Ballet of Canada and its feeder school. As I reflect on my past, I can see the similarities. I was arranging choreography, music, and costumes to create a complete ballet performance, and today I use color, beads, plastic bottles, textiles, and other found objects to make my art.​​​

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Creative Journey

My artistic journey has had many phases. I started out by making paper maché jewelry that, once painted, looked like agate, jasper, and other semi-precious stones. I then went to a wonderful workshop in Tucson, Arizona, and got bitten by the beading bug and decided to open a store where I carried millions of beads, pearls, and precious stones. My favorite times were doing commission pieces for brides and their extended parties. I would sometimes have to include the mother's and grandmother’s pieces of jewelry into a headdress or necklace, giving me a real glimpse into the bride’s history and bringing it into current times. 

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Today’s Creations

My newest creative pieces are made from recycled textiles. I have been diving into the world of textiles after spending time in Morocco and seeing the most wonderful collection of yarns, natural wools, and vibrant pieces of art. I left the country and immediately started working on large looms, which I make myself, and coiled baskets. My finished pieces are always very textural, colorful, and wonderful to the touch!

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I would have to say that my work and teaching are spontaneous, with lots of color and lots of movement. I love this approach as it is experimental and emotionally freeing, and I never quite know how one will turn out. I guess I still have "dancing in my blood and combinations in my head!"

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- Leigh