Gail Leidich - Painting (b. USA)

As an American turned Aussie transplant, Gail Leidich was surprised at how easily she slipped into the Australian way of life. She came to Australia for an adventure and never expected to stay for more than 1 or 2 years. The decision to migrate resulted in a 20 year love affair with the country.

The move to Australia wasn’t one without challenges and frustrations, however. Trepidation about fitting in and bouts of sadness at what was left behind were counteracted with the joys and excitement of creating a new life.

In this series, Gail is exploring the tensions, the movements and the fragmentations that were created by the process of relocation. It was a life changing experience that has shaped the way that she views everything. Her art addresses these issues, revealing her struggles in dealing with displacement, adaptation and identity. The idea of total assimilation and of finding ‘home’ is complex, as they may be things that don’t even exist.

Colour, texture and personal symbols are used to suggest the complexity of Gail’s feelings. The paintings (boxes) are close ups of her emotions and observations. They are almost snapshots of the hopes, fears and discoveries. The work depicts her journey, often using land and sea as metaphors. Colour, space and texture work together to convey these small chapters of her life.

“Although my focus has been on finding home, a connection to the community and a sense of belonging, I realise that fully belonging anywhere is impossible, as I will always be caught between two worlds. The underlying tensions will probably always be there, but this does not affect my life. I love where I live and am as close to finding a home as I will ever get.”

The creation of this new body of work has been both exciting and challenging for Gail. She invites the viewers to bring their own associations to the works... or to simply just enjoy them.

awards

2005: City of Stirling Art Awards, Overall Winner
2004: Mindarie Art Awards, Overall Winner
2003: Wanneroo Art Society, People’s Choice Award
2003: City of Belmont Art Awards, People’s Choice Award
1998-2006: Trigg Art Club, numerous 1st and 2nd place Awards

collections

City of Stirling

exhibition history

2001-2006: PS Artists Studios, Fremantle
2005: blend(er) Gallery, Joondalup, Solo Exhibition
2005: Tresillian Community Art Centre, 'Art n Soul' Exhibition
2004: Accent Fine Art Gallery, 3 painters
2003: Accent Fine Art Gallery, 4 painters

Also regularly exhibits at Hale School, Artitude and many other school and community events.

memberships

Joondalup Community Arts Association
blend(er) Gallery
Wanneroo Art Society
Trigg Art Club
Art n Soul (a group of 7 women artists)