Leigh, Lisa, Michael & Charlie Paired pear 1983 |
Leigh Morgan - artist profile
Frank Leigh Morgan was born 1944 at Greville Street Prahran in Melbourne. His Mother Ruth (Berman) (1922- ) came to Australia as a refugee from Hitler's Germany's before the war and married Frank William Morgan (1915 - 1975) at 19 years. His father was an accomplished artist and recognized member of the George Bell school. As a young boy Leigh accompanied his parents on trips or visits with Joy Hester and Albert Tucker, then a mate of Frank snr. whose circle included Ambrose (Amby) Dyson, Noel Counihan and Vic O'Conner, the latter three becoming Leigh's first art teachers. Leigh remembers Amby for his humor and enthusiasm and of being encouraged in his efforts by both Counihan and O'Conner. Along with art Leigh studied classical Guitar and engineering. He trained as a draughtsman and worked in that profession as a designer or project engineer before setting up and managing a successful building company. In 1980 he sold up everything and moved with his family to Thora just inland from the North Coast town of Bellingen. There, inspired by his surroundings and the opportunity of early semi-retirement from his city profits he turned back to art. Landscapes, abstract design and portraiture came naturally to Leigh who was able to draw on his 15 years draughting experience and the excellent training he had from his art teachers. He was in good company with many other artists living and working in the Bellingen area picking up valuable life drawing experience with local artists Shelly Kelly, Chris Hundt and Alan Boucher. Leigh was successful from the outset both in art competitions and in selling his paintings. Within a few years Leigh realized that working in two dimensions did not satisfy his sense of form nor express his passion for the tactile. So canvass was largely replaced in his creative urge by timber, and studying the masters was replaced by summer schools with sculptors Steffan Bruigisser and Bert Fugleman. |
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Leigh Morgan's sculptures and paintings are represented in collections in Victoria, NSW, Tasmania, England, USA, Japan and Russia. |