Interview by Vassilios Nicolaos Vitsilogiannis
(IG: @vassiliosvitsilogiannis)
Leah Wood, a talented British artist and environmental activist, recently visited Greece as part of the cultural events organized by Ada Iliopoulou, the president and founder of the Le Soleil Foundation. Leah Wood is known for her captivating paintings that focus on nature and endangered species, her artistic style combines traditional oils with innovative materials like cling film, reflecting her commitment to environmental causes. Her career has flourished since graduating from Chelsea College of Art and Design, with exhibitions highlighting her unique artistic flare. This visit to Greece and The Acropolis Museum underscores her dedication to cultural exchange and environmental awareness through art.
Can you describe how your upbringing, particularly being the daughter of Ronnie Wood, has influenced your artistic journey and environmental activism?
My upbringing was considerably normal. My mother was brilliant in keeping us grounded. I had a good education and I travelled a lot, which I’m blessed to have been able to do. Travel is a great way to broaden the mind and experience the culture of a city or the world. It’s a massive place with so much to see and explore!
Your artwork often features endangered species. What drives your passion for depicting these subjects, and how do you hope to impact viewers through your art?
The planet and everything on it drives my passion, I would like the best for our animals and children of the future, I’d like to raise awareness for endangered species and capture an awareness for things that need our attention.
You utilize a unique mix of mediums in your paintings, including cling film. Can you explain how these materials contribute to the message of your work regarding environmental issues?
I use cling film (plastic) in my painting to create another level of painting relevant to plastic pollution. A painting is forever, and with the use of plastic, it may last forever, too. Thus, bringing awareness to the painting and the plastic problem is a true sign of being creative with using plastic as a solution to the problem. At the moment, plastic is the biggest problem environmentally, finding plastic even in the North Pole, on the beaches and even in the things we consume (microplastics).
As an ambassador for organizations like Cool Earth and Sea Shepherd, what specific initiatives are you most passionate about, and how do you integrate these causes into your art?
Cool Earth is a charity that saves the rainforest, which I’m passionate about, Captain Paul Watson Foundation saves the oceans, another charity which I support wholeheartedly saves the whales from being inhumanly killed in Iceland. Saving the forests and the Oceans indeed inspires everything I do in my painting!
You have collaborated with various brands, such as Sky Diamonds and Manava. How do these partnerships align with your artistic vision and environmental goals?
Sky Diamonds is a company that sustainably makes diamonds from the carbon dioxide from the sky! Manava is another brilliant sustainable clothes company that produces everything in the UK with no harmful chemicals and organic fabrics, which is the way it should be, keeping everything local and sound.
In your opinion, what role does art play in raising awareness about climate change and environmental issues? Can you share any experiences where your art has sparked meaningful conversations?
In my opinion, the role art plays is all about vision; art is about making your own mind up, with your imagination anything is possible. I once curated an exhibition called The Now Exhibition which was all about The Now! Involving artists and photography all by very influential people who have the same ideals and values about the planet, people came away with food for thought.
You recently supported the return of the Parthenon Marbles at the Acropolis Museum. What motivated you to take a stand on this issue, and how does it connect to your broader views on cultural heritage and conservation?
I recently visited the Acropolis and had a tour around the museum I saw the marbles needed to be back in their rightful places this would be a great celebration for the people of Greece to receive them back in their Country.
It’s the right thing to do.
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for future projects or exhibitions that will further combine your art with environmental activism?
I hope to continue my career on this ever-growing planet and to keep the awareness going with my art! I find it a wonderful outlet for my passion for saving the planet for our children’s children, it’s so very important!
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