Leslie Boonekamp
Altona Meadows, Victoria, Australia
Born in Mount Gambier, South Australia and currently living in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. I sc...
About the artist
Leslie Boonekamp
Joined In 2014
(3 Followers)
About the artist
Leslie Boonekamp
Joined In 2014
(3 Followers)
ABOUT
EDUCATION
EXHIBITIONS
Born in Mount Gambier, South Australia and currently living in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
I sculpt in basalt or wood depending on the occasion; I carve directly without much prior planning. I'm fascinated by the process of metamorphosis in nature mainly from plant spores, bacteria, pollens, fungi, diatoms, coral and rhizomes. Their unique appearance is a source of analogy and symbolism after I turn them into three-dimensional metaphors. I can express my narrative found in this action.
My first choice of material is olivine basalt which is igneous and was one of many revered options by the ancient Egyptians whose stone carvers portrayed pharaohs, high-ranking officials and deities. It is my first choice of material for my artistic expression since it is locally sourced.
I also enjoy carving Laminated Veneered Lumber (LVL) which is engineered wood since it is very stable as a medium with less chance of cracking than many naturally occurring timbers.
My technique is direct-carving which means that I have the image in my mind and must constantly plan as I remove parts of the material to reveal my idea as carving stone one can only remove it and cannot add. However, occasionally do sketch 3-D ideas in wax clay to investigate form...
1969 Stads Akademie in Maastricht, Netherlands
2012 Bachelor's degree in fine art at Curtin University in Perth Western Australia.
Exhibitions and Commissions in Australia
2022-23 Herring Island Gallery, South Yarra
2022 Old Paper Mill Gallery, Geelong
2022 Port of Sale Art Gallery, Sale
2013 Beth Hulme Gallery, Fitzroy
2012 Beth Hulme Gallery, Fitzroy
2004 Gallery New Quay, Docklands
2003 Thierry B. Contemporary Art Gallery, Melb.
2002 Thierry B. Contemporary Art Gallery, Melb.
Commissioned Work
2003 Flinders Wharf Apartments (Vic)
Grosvenor Hotel, St Kilda East (Vic)
Royal Arcade (Vic)
Van Handel Residence, Toorak (Vic)
Colombo's Restaurant (Vic)
2002 Man Mo Restaurant (Vic)
Medici Restaurant (Vic)
Nooya Restaurant (Vic)
Sakura Restaurant (Vic)
Custom House Restaurant (Vic)
2001 Westminster Lace, Sydney (Vic)
Lotus Bar, South Yarra (Vic)
Gillon Constructions (Vic)
Young World, Richmond (Vic)
Hokka Hokka Restaurant (Vic)
Stokehouse, St Kilda (Vic)
2000 Westminster Lace, Fountain Gate (Vic)
Planet Café, Fitzroy (Vic)
Medusa Apartments, Elwood (Vic)
1999 Wild Bill's Saloon Ba...