Artist Statement

Leonie has always had a natural talent for art, with her teachers in school often presuming that her parents were assisting her. However, her artistic inclinations were rooted in personal trauma from her childhood. Determined to explore her creativity, Leonie pursued a Fine Art degree at Potchefstroom University, where she won numerous national awards, including the prestigious Volkskas (now ABSA) Atelier.

Leonie’s artistic journey has been marked by numerous achievements and recognition within the art world. From 1985 to 2023, she has participated in various international competitions, solo and group exhibitions, further solidifying her credibility and relevance. In 2023, Leonie was honoured to be featured as one of the Top 10 Artists by Artling and as a Featured Artist in Artsy Shark. Additionally, her talent has been celebrated through numerous accolades, including First Prize in the Potchefstroom Talent Festival (1986), the Volkskas Atelier (now ABSA) Winner of Painting Category (1985), the Gregoire Boonzaaier Art Bursary First Prize (1985), and placements in the top 10 nationally in the Total Exhibition for Young Artists (1986), among others.

After completing her studies, Leonie took a decade-long hiatus from painting as she focused on her own healing journey. It was during this time that she found the strength to overcome her trauma, eventually marrying a wonderfully supportive and understanding husband. Reinvigorated, Leonie returned to painting in 2000, diving back into her artistic practice with a newfound purpose.

“My art is a testament to the transformative power of resilience and forgiveness. As a survivor of complex PTSD and abuse, I’ve emerged from the shadows to create vivid, expressive works that serve as beacons of hope and vitality.”

“My canvases are battlegrounds of colour and texture, where thick impasto layers and bold brushstrokes fight against the invisible barriers of trauma. Each piece declares that life can be lived fully, without boundaries or fear.”

“My process is intuitive and physical—a dance of gestures with large brushes, palette knives, and mixed media that speaks directly to the soul.”

“I paint for those who have felt trapped behind glass walls, unable to experience the world’s touch fully. My art screams that it’s possible to shatter these barriers, to taste life’s flavors and feel its textures without reservation.”

“Through layers of cold wax, oils, ink, and Encaustics, I create windows into a world where past struggles become a source of strength. My work invites viewers to embrace life’s abundance, to find happiness in every stroke, and to smile in the face of adversity.”

“This is more than art—it’s a movement from death to life, a choice to be shaped not by our past, but by our potential. It’s an invitation to join me in a vibrant celebration of resilience, forgiveness, and the unbridled joy of existence.”

Leonie employs a diverse array of mixed media techniques to achieve depth, texture, and translucency in her work. Cold wax allows her to build up thick, tactile layers that invite viewers to experience the art through touch. Resin enables her to thin out pigments, resulting in luminous passages that reveal underlying truths. Gestural ink applications produce gossamer veils, hinting at the emergence of new life. This harmonious blend of materials and textures invites contemplation on the transformative power of art.

At the core of Leonie’s artistic practice is her personal philosophy rooted in positivity and forgiveness as pathways to an abundant life. Having faced her own struggles, she finds solace in creating narrative art and interacting with horses. Her work encourages others to reflect deeply on their life experiences while finding strength through self-expression and connection with the natural world. Leonie’s paintings embody the idea that adversity can give way to growth, healing, and a profound appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us.