Combining Art and Writing - Another Approach

When I find a kindred spirit who combines art with writing to create a book, I am happily drawn to their work. On February 14, artist Greig Leach captivated members of Metropolitan Richmond Artists Association with the story of his journey to document cycling events and share them through a 240-page book made possible by funding from kickstarter.com. Leach raised over $20,000 for his book project through the program. Much of the promotion for his books and his art is done through Twitter.

Leach paints large scale work on 140# cold pressed watercolor paper using Shiva oil sticks. His paintings are full of life and movement. Viewing his work made me want to pull out my decades old Shiva sticks and start painting. Members of the group actually got to try out the medium during the program, using paint sticks he brought to share.

Greig Leach and Paintings ©Mary Montague Sikes

Discovering the funding opportunity available through Kick Starter was intriguing and exciting. It's a great idea for artists to try if they are struggling to get a book published about a subject they are as passionate about as Leach is cycling.

Combining art and writing, Greig Leach has discovered a different approach. How exciting to document favorite events and gain international recognition along the way. That's what this artist has done.

Greig Leach with Book and Paintings ©Mary Montague Sikes

Another art event this week in West Point was the Arts Alive paper jewelry-making class taught by Leslie Babbitt. Even for those not fans of paper jewelry, the Babbitt workshop was a fun event, sparkling with her vitality and enthusiasm.

Paper Jewelry-Making Students

Babbitt demonstrates ©Mary Montague Sikes

Whatever the art event is, I'm always interested. Thank you, Greig Leach. Thank you, Babbitt. You made dreary February days much brighter!