December, 2008 saw the opening of the first stage of the Bunbury Mantra Hotel which celebrated with an opening and a lavish function.
The three Pericles historical collaged works depicting life in Bunbury during the hey day of the town and its involvement in the rural, industrial and social growth of the region were successfully completed, framed, transported and now on show in the foyer of the Mantra Resort
A team of helpers was organised assist with the installation of the Sculpture works for the main void. The minor voids were hung and the theme of quintessential urban images of Australian life were installed.
A three day affair of installing the three separate painted and cut acrylic hangings was completed with the aid of cranes, cherry pickers and technicians installing a sophisticated structure to provide the hanging support for the 3 separate art works.
Due to an unacceptable level of wind movement and the absence of roof protection the sculptures have been removed awaiting the completion of a more suitable protective roof system.
Margaret River Studios
There has been a keen focus on the completion of Leon’s studio in Margaret River during the past few months. Good progress has been made and it is now operational with just a few ‘tweaks’ to finish it off.
The feature of the studio are the beautiful glass windows which have been created by Leon using items of colourful glass and acrylic – mostly found objects fused in a series of 10 windows to the most stunning effect.
The spacious studio opens to a balcony with an iron balustrade originally from the Middle East adding to the eclectic nature of the building. This overlooks the garden and bush.
Travels
An opportunity to join a Croatian coastal cruise journey with friends was too good to miss. The Dalmatian Coast is legendary for it’s beauty and historical significance and we look forward to immersing ourselves in the beauty of the area, legendary towns and villages hugging the coastline reflecting the early Roman History. Wandering the walled cities, experiencing the local cuisine and losing ourselves in the myriad shops of antiquities and artefacts of today and yesteryear is our kind of holiday!!
Leon turned 60 this year and the occasion was celebrated with family and friends in March. A thoughtful gift from daughter Nia resulted in a fabulous journey to New Zealand’s South Island. Based around Lake Te-Anau, we were indulged with a beautiful experience of this most remarkable region from Milford Sound to Queenstown to the Southern Coast and a stunning helicopter ride above the Fjordlands of the area. A visual feast of beauty and nature.
New Work & Forthcoming Exhibitions
Leon is back at the easel and working between studios, gradually accumulating new prints and paintings. Inspiration is flowing with some great ideas in the melting pot of Leon’s imagination.
Works have been on show in Group exhibitions at Greenhill Galleries in Dalkeith and a few commissioned works have been completed.
A Book Plate was commissioned early in the year by a Sydney client and Leon delighted in the opportunity to custom design this special plate for another enthusiastic book collector.
ART SYDNEY 09
At short notice a decision was made to participate in ART SYDNEY 09.
This impressive Art Fair located in Moore Park spans a 4 day weekend -22nd – 25th October 09. From Thurs evening - (opening) to Sunday evening I will be manning stall no. B15 with Helen Turpin (our Sydney Agent).
We look forward to meeting lots of people and sharing the breadth of Leon’s work with old friends and new ones.
Viewing times are:
The Milk Factory Gallery at Bowral in NSW has recently stocked Leon’s work and a ‘feature’ exhibition opens at the end of October 09.
The Framed Gallery in Darwin will show new pieces in their Xmas Exhibition :Starry Night”
Staff at Quattro Framing and Pericles Studios
After the crazy period at the end of last year working to deadlines on the commission for Bunbury Mantra Resort, we’re now back to our normal level of studio staff with Elly Joel and Anne Barnetson in the studio and Peter Blake in the framing workshop. However Elly is pregnant and will be leaving us at the end of the year. It will be no mean feat to replace her!!
october 2009 Newsletter
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