Local artist profile: Leigh Hewitt

THIS week we chat with local representational artist Leigh Hewitt, whose next exhibition – Homebody – will be held at the Maldon Artist Network (MANET) Gallery in Main Street Maldon from Saturday 4 July to Sunday 30 August.

What motivated you to take up art?

I think the motivation to make art is human and universal – some just feel the urge more strongly than others.

My other answer is that I was motivated by the horrible thought that I would be stuck in my soulless office job for the rest of my life if I didn’t change direction!

It wasn’t until my late twenties that I overcame the idea that I needed a real job and decided to pursue it seriously.

How would you describe your style?

My style is observational and could be called realistic, though I think realism can be a bit of a trap.

I do love the illusion of space and depth.

Over the years I’ve gravitated toward still life, found arrangements and portraiture, and my subject matter has become increasingly personal.

I try to make paintings that appeal to me and hopefully that translates to others.

Which other artists inspire you?

Some favourites that come to mind – Liu Xiaodong, Louise Hearman, Lucy Culliton, George Bellows, Alice Neel, Peter Wegner, Avigdor Arikha, Caroline Walker, Repin, Serov, Goya, Vallotton.

Have you had any mentors over your career?

I have had some good teachers and have cherry-picked lots of great advice from them, other artists and things I’ve read.

A few favourites: focus on the process, not the result; keep a leash on negative self-talk; time spent on preparation for a work is time well spent.

What are some highlights from your time following your pursuits?

One that comes to mind is a Wagga Wagga Art Gallery artist residency I did in 2022.

Having a large and light-filled space to paint was wonderful.

It gave me the opportunity to paint portraits at a large scale and to chat with gallery-goers who were free to wander in and out.

I’ve also had great experiences and formed meaningful connections teaching art.

How can people check out your work?

I have a website, leighhewitt.com.au, and you can find me on instagram – leighhewittart.

What are you working on right now?

I have been working on my upcoming exhibition.

The show is called Homebody and the works revolve around themes of family, childhood and parenthood.

Where do you see yourself with your pursuits in a couple of years? What about in ten years?

I have two young children so I am having trouble seeing further than the weekend!

In seriousness though I am just striving to be a better painter year after year, and to continue to put my stuff out into the world.

What would you say to young regional aspiring artists who are thinking of making a go of the creative life?

If you’re an artist at heart you are probably going to end up doing it anyway, so starting young is a good idea.

There are a lot of practical problems to solve, the main one being to find a way to make money in such a way that you can carve out dedicated time for your practice.

Find positive teachers and peers, block out the negative and the distractions, and maintain belief that what you are doing is valuable and worthwhile.

From my experience, in regional areas it’s far easier to get to know the artistic community and it’s also easier to make yourself known.