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Wendi Leigh
Artist Statement
Wendi’s art is a contemplative exploration of perception, identity, and memory, reflecting the intricacies of the human experience. Through her unique style, O.D.O.R.I—Overt Distortion of Real Imagery—she traverses the boundaries between reality and abstraction. Her work evokes a profound sense of peace and well-being, offering viewers a respite from the anxiety and disillusionment that pervades modern life. By employing a harmonious blend of soothing and vivid colors, Wendi infuses her paintings with underlying stories of hope and joy, transforming everyday subjects into tranquil, endearing representations. Her love for animals, Australian fauna, and flora frequently emerges as recurring themes, anchoring her work in the natural world.
Biography
Wendi Leigh, a seasoned artist with over three decades of experience, has cultivated a distinctive style that merges her background in fashion and design with her passion for fine arts. After earning her Bachelor of Visual Arts (BVA) from Wollongong University, she embarked on a journey that led her to experiment with various mediums, including watercolor, gouache, acrylic, oils, and fabric printing. Wendi’s artistic journey has been deeply influenced by her extensive travels through Europe as a young woman, which reshaped her perceptions of an ideal lifestyle and infused her work with a unique cognitive approach to mark-making. Currently, Wendi's work is exhibited across New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Queensland, as well as in various Affordable Art Shows. Wendi joins Downlands under the collection of Aspire Gallery (Brisbane, Qld).
Influences
Wendi Leigh's artistic practice is deeply rooted in her exploration of how contemporary experiences shape perception and identity. Her extensive travels and exposure to diverse cultures have profoundly influenced her creative process, driving her to seek out her creative truths and beliefs through experimentation with various mediums.
Awards
Winner, "Unveiled", Aspire Gallery, Paddington QLD | 2024 Finalist, "Flow", Wollongong Art Gallery, Works on Paper | 2023 Finalist, Bluethumb Art Award | 2022 Finalist, Hunters Hill Art Award | 2022 Finalist, Blackstone Gallery Newcastle W.O.P. Award | 2022 Runner Up, Petite Pieces, Aspire Gallery, Paddington QLD | 2022 Finalist, Petite Pieces, Aspire Gallery, Paddington QLD | 2022 Finalist, Still Life Project, Art Gallery, Wollongong | 2022 Finalist, "Flow", Wollongong Art Gallery, Works on Paper | 2021 Finalist, "Into the Light" Award, Whitewall Art Projects, Berrima | 2021 Second Place, Pie Time Award, Whitewall Art Projects, Berrima | 2021 Finalist, Small Works Award, Brunswick Gallery, Victoria | 2021 Finalist, "Blue Theme" for Charity", Arthead Gallery, Moss Vale | 2020 Finalist, "Blue Theme", Blackstone Gallery, Newcastle | 2020 Second Prize, 'Postcodes from the Edge', Wollongong Regional Art Gallery | 2019 Nowra King Street Gallery Exhibition of Felted and Shibori Textile Wraps in joint exhibition | 2010 Meroogal Prize Finalist, Manipulated textile work | 2008 Second Prize, Taree "Timber Heritage Photographic Competition | 2004 Winner, Hastings Council CBD Street Banner Competition | 2004 Highly Commended, Hastings Aqua Sculpture Awards, Port Macquarie | 2003 Most Outstanding Student Award for Graphic Design Certificate IV | 2002 Winner (Acquisitive), "City of the Arts" Logo, Hastings Council, Port Macquarie | 2001 Winner (People’s Choice), "City of the Arts" Logo, Hastings Council, Port Macquarie | 2001 Winner (Watercolour, Acquisitive), Alzheimer's Drug Painting for Pfizer Drug Company, Sydney | 2001 Winner (Acquisitive), "Art on a Grand Canvas", Greg Norman's Launch Exhibition, New Golf Club | 2000 Winner & Second Prize (Watercolour), Comboyne A & H Association Exhibition | 1995 Highly Commended (Sepia Ink), Taree Show Exhibition | 1995 Commended (Acrylic Work), Taree Show Exhibition | 1995 Second Prize (Watercolour), Comboyne A & H Association Exhibition | 1994 Winner, Watercolour Prize, Wauchope Show Society | 1993
Exhibitions
RECENT EXHIBITIONS Affordable Art Fair, Melbourne (Aspire Gallery) | 2024 Affordable Art Fair, Sydney (Aspire Gallery) | 2024 Brisbane Grammar Art Show, Brisbane | 2024 Affordable Art Fair, Brisbane (Aspire Gallery) | 2024 Solo Exhibition, Purple Noon Gallery | 2024 "Birds of a Feather" Exhibition, Moree Gallery | 2024 Downlands Art Exhibition, Downlands College | 2023 Group Exhibition, Moree Gallery | 2023 Solo Exhibition, Milk Factory | 2023 Brisbane Grammar Art Show, Brisbane | 2023 “Vases & Tables” Group Exhibition, Aspire Gallery, Paddington QLD | 2022 Solo Exhibition Wall, Montville Art Gallery, QLD | 2022 Selection of Works, Whitewall Art Projects Gallery, Berrima | 2022 Solo Exhibition: "Why Flowers Matter", Purple Noon Gallery | 2022 “Petite Pieces” Finalist Exhibition, Aspire Gallery, Paddington QLD | 2022 "Layers" (Duo Exhibition with Wendy Dobson), Art Bar, Kiama | 2021 Pie Time Award Finalist Exhibition, Whitewall Art Projects, Berrima | 2021 "Into the Light" Award Finalist Exhibition, Whitewall Project Gallery, Berrima | 2021 "Flow' Award Exhibition, Wollongong Art Gallery | 2021 Solo Exhibition: "Natural Encounters", Michelle Perry Fine Arts, Sydney | 2021 Selection of Works, Flying Pig Gallery, Berry | 2020 Selection of Works, Whitewall Art Projects Gallery, Berrima | 2020 Solo Exhibition: "Urban Detour", Fern Street Gallery, Gerringong | 2020
