This month’s cover artist weaves her Scottish heritage and Australian way of life together to capture our love and sentimentality for the beauty in the iconic, everyday items which are “Iconically Us”.
How long have you lived on the Northern Beaches?
I’m originally from Scotland and moved to the Northern Beaches in 2004, almost 20 years ago. I love the warmth and outdoor lifestyle.
Did you study art?
I did, but not until 2021 when I studied a Diploma of Visual Arts. We have two boys and decided that before they didn’t want to ‘hang’ with us anymore, we’d travel around Australia in a caravan for 12 months. With more time to contemplate the ‘what makes us truly happy?’ question, I found the courage to leave the corporate world after 25 years working in IT projects and follow my passion for art professionally.
What inspired your Tawny cover art?
My love of Manly! The cover art is called ‘Seven miles from Sydney’ based on the 1920’s Manly Ferry advertising slogan ‘Seven Miles from Sydney and a thousand miles from care’. I wanted to celebrate our local Northern Beaches culture by using collage created from historic photos of Manly while creating an artwork instantly recognisable as iconically Australian.
What inspires your art generally?
Being a proud Scot and Australian Citizen, my mixed media artworks are inspired by my Scottish heritage and my chosen life in Australia with connection and nostalgia at the core of my work. At first glance, you may describe my work as being influenced by pop art but when you get up close and personal, it’s then you can search the layers of nostalgic sentiment in the collage to see what treasured memories it provokes.
What is your favourite part of the artistic process?
Given my previous career, I’m process driven, and love lists so my artwork process fits well with my character as there are several defined stages. Working with clients on the exploration stage is always heart-warming and insightful. Sourcing the collage whether that’s my own drawings, handwritten notes, historic photos, or family photos (the possibilities are endless!) is a critical step and then I love meticulously placing each piece. Time for a studio clean of all the ripped collage before I apply washes of colour to build up the artwork subject.
What are you working on now?
I’m really excited (and maybe a bit terrified!) to currently be working towards my debut solo exhibition at Sugar House Studios in Brookvale, which runs from 8-14 March. My show will launch my latest collection – the Northern Beaches inspired ‘Iconically Us’. The opening night is Friday 8 March from 6-8pm and I’d love to see you there!
How can people buy and support your art?
I’d love to see you at my solo show. You can subscribe for the pre-release art show catalogue via my website www.leighbinskinart.com. Subscribing gives you the opportunity to see the latest collection first, measure up your wall space and purchase before opening night. As well as my latest collection of original art, I will also have gift cards, totes, and t-shirts available. And of course, if you are interested in commissioning an artwork, let’s chat.
Follow @leighbinskinart on Instagram. Visit Leigh’s website leighbinskinart.com to purchase art and request commissions.
Check out her debut solo exhibition ‘Iconically Us’ at Sugar House Studios, 8 – 14 March, 2/73 Winbourne Road, Brookvale. Opening Night is Friday 8 March, 6-8pm
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Are you an artist local to the Northern Beaches and want to be featured in the Tawny Frogmouth? Email mail@thetawnyfrogmouth.com.au