Interview
Lucinda Leveille
Lucinda received her Art Diploma Qualifying Course in 1976 from the National Art School in Sydney NSW. In 1978, she received her Diploma in Art from the National Art School. Her solo exhibitions include: Feature Artist, Stevens Street Gallery, Yandina, 2024 and Mist Gallery, Cabarita Beach, 2023. Her recent selected group exhibitions include: Affordable Art Fair Brisbane, 2024; Affordable Art Fair Melbourne, 2024 and Bluethumb, 40 x 40 Southern Buoy Bluethumb Collab in 2024. Lucinda’s selected collections and commissions include: Private Collection, New York, 2023; Parliament House, Canberra, 2020 and The Treasury, Canberra, 2020. Her selected awards include: Art Lovers Australia, finalist, 2022; Bluethumb Art Prize, finalist, sculpture 2021 and Art Lovers Australia Prize, finalist, 2021. Her work residencies and highlights include: Dream Home Artist Channel 7, 2024; Bluethumb - Rising Star, 2024 Art lovers Australia - Artist To Watch, 2024 and her artwork was chosen for the Netflix movie – True Spirit in 2023.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I've always wanted to be an artist and follow my father’s path. At 15, I begged to leave school and go to art school. I was admitted into the National Art School in Sydney and so began my journey. Moving from Sydney to the Gold Coast in Queensland and although already having exhibited at a number of galleries, I presented my portfolio to a local gallery, but the experience was devastating. The owner delivered a harsh critique, bluntly stating that I had no talent and suggesting I seek a different career. This moment shattered my dreams and led me to abandon my artistic ambitions. After years of soul-searching, I decided to re-enter the art world. This time, I approached it with a newfound resilience, maturity, and determination.”
What inspires you?
“As a small child watching my father bring the skies to life on canvas, my love of clouds was born. There is a particular magic in the way clouds move. I find myself in awe of the changing landscape above us. It’s as if clouds hold your secrets and dreams. I love the wispy ones to the full-blown dramatic clouds, the thunderous, tumbling titans that rise majestically on the horizon - each one a spectacle of nature that speaks of power and grandeur and it’s these contrasts that fuel my artistic passion.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“My work embodies themes of introspection, duality, and the relationship between the earthly and the divine. By focusing on clouds and the horizon, I explore our place within the universe. I want my work to foster an emotional connection, allowing individuals to find personal meaning within the narratives I weave. At the heart lies the concept of storytelling. Every piece narrates a unique tale, often woven from my own life experiences. My artwork is organized into distinct series, each serving as a thematic exploration and are a cohesive narrative that delves into various concepts and emotions. Some of these series include The Road Series, Above The Canopy, and Music of the Night. The Road Series is an exploration of life’s journey, emphasizing the myriad choices we encounter and the diverse paths we can take.
Above The Canopy emerged from a culling of trees just outside my studio window. As I witnessed the loss of these majestic beings, only one solitary, spindly gumtree remained, standing resolutely amidst the emptiness. This lone tree, with its delicate frame, sparked a wave of inspiration that transformed my perspective and ignited my imagination. Then there's the Music of the Night series that delves into the beauty and mystery of night cloudscapes. Each piece serves as a window into the serene yet dramatic interplay between clouds, moonlight, and the vast expanse of the night sky, inviting viewers to experience the tranquility and depth of the nocturnal world.”
How would you describe your work?
“My artwork embodies a semi-realistic style, primarily utilizing oils to express my artistic vision. I am deeply committed to traditional techniques, pigments, and materials. It reflects my respect for the historical practices of painting and my mastery of craft. The dark pigments add depth and richness to my work. I strive to capture the interplay between light and shadow. The evocative nature of my work, paired with my traditional approach, invites contemplation. In a world that often feels hurried, I aspire for my art to serve as a serene reminder to slow down, reflect, and genuinely engage with the narratives that surround us.”
Which artists influence you most?
“There have been a few influential artists in my life – firstly of course my father - for giving me the love of painting. Brett Whitely – for his amazing draughtsmanship which emphasized the necessity for classical training. And finally, Robert Singleton – a brave and bold artist and man – he has influenced my journey by giving me the courage to paint the sky.”
“In a world that often feels hurried, I aspire for my art to serve as a serene reminder to slow down, reflect, and genuinely engage with the narratives that surround us.”
What is your creative process like?
“My creative process is a dynamic journey, where inspiration can be sparked by the beauty of a landscape, the ever changing sky above, the sound of music or the profound impact of the written word. Each of these feeds my imagination. I embrace mark-making, drawing, and the use of abstract shapes, each playing a pivotal role in my creative process. These elements enable me to engage with my environment in an instinctive and organic way, reacting to the sights, sounds, and feelings around me without being tethered to a fixed idea of the outcome. This spontaneity is where the magic happens. It often leads to surprising results - unexpected juxtapositions of colour, form, and texture that impart vitality and emotion to my work. I relish the unpredictability of this process, as it mirrors the unpredictability of life itself. My creative process is a blend of intentionality and freedom, where I allow myself to be guided by inspiration while remaining open to the surprises that emerge along the way.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“The role of the artist in society has shifted through the ages, reflecting the cultural, social, and technological changes of each era. Historically, artists served many functions - creating religious iconography, catering to the wealthy elite, and acting as chroniclers of history before the advent of photography. Today, I see the artist's role evolving yet again, adapting to our contemporary context while still retaining some of its foundational aspects. Moreover, I believe there will always be artists whose work engages with political and social issues. This form of expression is vital, artists have a unique ability to illuminate injustices, challenge status quos, and spark conversations that can lead to meaningful change. In this sense, art continues to serve as a powerful conduit for social and political discourse. As we navigate a rapidly changing world dominated by technology and artificial intelligence, the role of the artist may further evolve. In an age where technology often threatens to overshadow human creativity, artists can remind us of our humanity. They bring a depth of emotion, authenticity, and vulnerability to their work that machine-generated creations cannot replicate. By embracing unconventional methods and exploring new materials, artists can remind society of the importance of individual expression.
I envision a future where artists encourage us to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with what it means to be human in a world increasingly driven by algorithms. In this way, my belief is that the artist’s role will continue to flourish - beyond mere aesthetics - to encompass a rich blend of creative expression, social consciousness, and an enduring celebration of our shared humanity.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“This year I was part of the Affordable Art Fairs in Brisbane and Melbourne – a totally new experience for me and so different to the feel of a gallery exhibition – the electricity was palpable – the range of artwork mind boggling – how wonderful to have so many people see and experience art in the flesh.”
