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 bead 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, often sculpture in form, are made from recycled plastics and textiles. I try to do my little part to reduce the plastic pollution problem by taking water bottles, food containers, and clamshells and turning them into one-of-a-kind pieces of art. In addition to plastics, I have been diving into the world of textiles after visiting a local craft store and seeing the most wonderful collection of yarns and natural wools. I walked out of that store 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!

 

Keeping it Moving with Chair Yoga

It is no surprise that my early career as a ballet dancer and teacher led me to the beautiful practice of Yoga. I have been studying both regular Yoga and Chair Yoga for several decades, and I love what it does for my mind, body, and soul. Following a desire to share the benefits with others, I became a Certified Chair Yoga instructor in 2020 and I now get to help others stretch and strengthen their minds and bodies through a more gentler form of Yoga that people of all ages and physical abilities can enjoy!

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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