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Artist BIOGRAPHY

Leisa Russell is an artist based in Byron Bay, whose creative pursuits span interior design and jewellery, but she primarily focuses on sculpture. Her passion for sculpture began in childhood, as she sculpted with clay and foraged materials, which also fostered her strong connection to flora and fauna.

As a self-taught artist, Russell demonstrates versatility across a range of mediums, including bronze, clay, resin, silver, wood, forged steel, and concrete. Her work varies in scale from small pieces to life-size creations. Russell’s process and materials have allowed the continued evolution of her work. By pairing fine porcelain with colored concretes, she transforms salvaged objects into robust, textural forms.

The artist explains that her work is influenced by her exploration of the structural and textural aspects of nature. By combining these elements with versatile mediums like clay and concrete, she delivers visually appealing works that evoke a hands-on experience for the viewer.

Leisa Russell’s accolades include the Border Art Prize and the Kaske Award. Her work has been featured in numerous sculptural exhibitions and art shows throughout Australia.

EDUCATION

Certificate in Fashion Design
Certificate in Graphic Design
Currently studying Bachelor of Visual Art, Southern Cross University
Advanced workshops:
Bronze Foundry
Blacksmithing
Silver smithing
Wood carving
Welding

EXHIBITIONS

2019 An Introspective Journey, Tiny Tree Gallery, Brisbane QLD
2017 Pipedreams, 19 Karen Contemporary Artspace, Gold Coast QLD
2016 Swell Sculpture Festival, Currumbin Beach, Gold Coast QLD
2015 Sexy – A Ceramics Expose, Group Show, 19 Karen Contemporary Artspace, Gold Coast QLD
2014 Tactile Fusion, 19 Karen Contemporary Artspace, Gold Coast QLD
2014 Inner Self, Gallery One, Gold Coast QLD
2013 Swell Scultpure Festival, Currumbin Beach, Gold Coast QLD
2012 Swell Sculpture Festival, Currumbin beach, Gold Coast QLD
2012 Border Art Prize
2012 Gold Coast Potters’ Association Annual Members’ Exhibition QLD
2012 Ignition Awards, Butter Factory Arts Centre, Sunshine Coast QLD
2012 Townsville Ceramic Awards, Perc Tucker Regional Gallery, Townsville QLD
2011 The Womens Project, 19 Karen Contemporary Artspace, Gold Coast QLD
2008 Gold Coast Potters’ Association Annual Members’ Exhibition QLD
2008 Swell Sculpture Festival, Currumbin Beach, Gold Coast QLD
2007 Sculptors Society Annual Exhibition QLD
2006 Sculptors Society Annual Exhibition QLD

Commissions

Bungil Shire Council – Graeme Walsh Memorial Plaque
Mr Paul and Vicki Sweeney – Life size bronze horse

Awards

2013 Finalist, Gold Coast Art Prize
2013 Acquisitive Award Winner , Gold Coast Potters Association Annual Members’ Exhibition
2013 Finalist, Wilson Art Award, Lismore
2012 Shirley Kennedy Encouragement Award, Border Art Prize
2012 Overall Winner, Gold Coast Potters Association Annual Members’ Exhibition
2012 Finalist, Townsville Ceramic Awards
2012 Winner , 28th Gold Coast International Ceramic Art Award
2008 People’s Choice Award, Gold Coast Potters Exhibition
2007 Kaske Award, Southern Cross University
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