In this body of work, Thiessen writes that she is responding to the northern NSW environment she is immersed in daily, “the natural ecology of the Terranora Broadwater, with its mangroves and natural bush terrain…”

She explains the dynamism in her work as originating from the movement in nature. “In nature nothing is ever static, there is always sound, emotion, mood, memory that accompany the visual. I store what I see in my subconscious mind until it’s ready to emerge, conveying a spirit of place… I’m drawn to the chaotic line and frantic energy of the mangroves…..a place that is buzzing with energy.”

As a former fashion designer who has since gone on to extensive study in Visual Arts in Sydney and Lismore, Thiessen has a vivid and beautifully-balanced sense of colour, and an assured touch.

Since completing university studies Thiessen has had two solo exhibitions, and has been selected as a finalist in many prominent contemporary art prizes around Australia. Among several group shows was a Watters Gallery, East Sydney emerging artist exhibition in 2016. Leah continues to paint and explore abstraction in her studio, which is situated on the water’s edge in Northern New South Wales.

The Spirit of Place runs 17 May – 10 June.

For a full exhibition listing see here.