Imagine a world where magical creatures, mythical birds, poetic plants, and a sense of both real and imaginary life and objects exist.
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A place where colours intrigue you, shapes and patterns converge like silhouettes in the sun, and wondrous thoughts are brought to the forefront of your mind.
Now, imagine a challenge within this whimsical little world: to see every single part.
Photo by
Kelly Carmody
Like it’s a map and an adventure in a creative, colourful maze, but, unlike a maze where the objective is to find your way out, you find yourself wanting to stay.
A moment longer, another glimpse, another peek into this world. Well, imagine no more because talented contemporary artist Gus Leunig has brought this world to life in his pieces.
However, there isn’t just one world when it comes to Gus’ abstract work; each carefully crafted piece offers another insight into his imagination and mind.
“I call it ‘overpainting’ and working with negative space, always ensuring there isn’t much of that left and that each piece is like a little maze that I need to find my way through,” he said.
“There’s a process to it all, with lots of layering, but it’s also like my meditation. You can wander through a piece and see different things or stories each time you look at it.”
Drawing from the serenity of country living and driven by a childhood fascination with maps and treasure hunts, a typical day for Gus in his home studio in Avenel starts around 4am.
Amid his early mornings, Gus joyfully navigates the delightful chaos of parenting alongside his partner, surrounded by a vibrant menagerie of birds.
Some of their household companions include a sociable indoor chicken, a magpie, and three majestic peacocks.
“I love birds, and they have been in my work now for the past few years. I’m just in that bird phase and yet to get out of it,” Gus said with a chuckle.
“They’re incredibly intelligent. I find that the more you look at birds, the more you realise they are also observing you, and at times, I think we can take them for granted.
“Early mornings are a time when it’s my own, and I’m watching the daybreak and getting some time to myself before getting the kids ready for school.
“Then I get back home and get back into it. It’s busy, but it’s great.
Another intriguing dimension of Gus’ upbringing and influences is that he is also the son of Australian cartoonist, writer and poet Michael Leunig.
Michael’s work is characterised by its simplicity, heartfelt expression, and a touch of surrealism, which has earned him a devoted following in Australia and internationally.
“Growing up, there were always lots of paper drawings, loose paintings, brush strokes, and art books lying around the house, but he never pushed me into becoming an artist,” Gus said.
“It was always just floating around me, so I suppose somehow it made its way into my subconscious and manifested in its own way.
“He always encouraged me to draw on blank pages and I suppose I do that to my kids, but I never push them either.
“I’ve always been one to carry ‘art’ around with me. Paint, brushes, pens and paper.
“When I was touring with a band as a musician in my earlier years or when working on film and TV sets, it’s always been around.”
Gus’ professional career as an artist launched in 2009 with a sell-out show at Art Sydney, followed by yearly successes in solo exhibitions.
Today, Gus is represented by three prestigious galleries: Van Rensberg Galleries in Hong Kong, New York, and NSW; Salt Contemporary Art in Queenscliff, Victoria; and Libby Edwards Galleries in Melbourne.
“Going over to New York was definitely a career highlight — such an amazing experience. I’m also starting to work with the Red Sea Gallery in Margaret River, which I’m quite excited about and selling prints and originals at McKellars Picture Framing in Shepparton,” Gus said.
“It’s incredible to see where your work ends up and the reach of modern technology these days.
“There are so many amazing artists and so much happening; it’s brilliant.
“Art has come a long way in its acceptance. It’s now becoming normal to pursue it as a career again, and that’s great.
“I’m not sure where I sit in it all, but I’m happy just doing what I’m doing, living my life in the country with my family without worrying too much about the rest of the world.”
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