ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Leonie Garssen

My passion for art was sparked by: I have been drawing and painting ever since I was old enough to hold a crayon. As a kid I enjoyed coming up with my own characters (usually bunnies) and creating stories for them, in my teenage years I spent all my time after school making fantasy drawings. These days inspiration comes to me from nature: we are so spoiled in Australia with our incredible flora and fauna. It’s the little things that spark joy in me when I go outside – from the honeyeaters in my front yard to the magpies strutting about in the park – birds have a special place in my heart. They have ever since I was a little one going out birding with mum. I love it when people see my art and it sparks a dialogue about our wildlife, it is so wonderful to hear from other people’s connection with their neighbourhood animals and there is often a learning moment (either for them or for me)!

When I’m making art I’m usually eating: chocolate or drinking tea – often both!

I’m usually listening to: a podcast when I paint. Favourites are ‘Ologies’ with Alie Ward, ‘What the Duck’ with Dr. Ann Jones and ‘Cautionary Tales’ by Tim Harford.

My work is inspired by: animals! I just love all animals. I spent many years working as a tour guide which has taken me all across Australia. I have been lucky to have had many awe-inspiring wildlife encounters. Teaching travellers about our unique wildlife and conservation has been a very rewarding job. Sadly I now work in an office-based job but I still make time to go out bush regularly. Whenever I spend time out in nature it makes me want to grab my paint brushes and I come home full of new ideas!