Biography
Melbourne born, Geelong Artist, Leonie Amerena, began studying Fine Arts while living in Ann Arbor, Michigan, US in the early 90’s. On her return to Australia she studied under Patty Semmler at the Geelong Fine Arts School, where she was introduced to the techniques of welding & the sculptural potential of recycled metal.
Excited by her ability to manipulate the strength and mass of metal into sculptures of remarkable variety, Leonie has continued to expand the form and texture of her works by incorporating stone, wood and other materials. The metal is sourced from local industrial & agricultural enterprises.
Leonie’s art honours the resilience of these materials in our seemingly transient and disposable world.
She has exhibited in many group shows in Melbourne and Geelong and completed numerous commissioned works for individual collectors and local institutions.
Resume
Solo Exhibitions
Metalmorphosis “Skandia Week”, Geelong Waterfront, 2005
Short Listed for
The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, 2003-6, 2010
Art Melbourne Exhibition Buildings, 2007, 2009
Tesselaar sculpture prize 2009
Association of Victorian Sculptors Annual Awards 2003-5 2008
Group exhibitions
Geelong Regional Artists Exhibition, Geelong, 2005, 2009
“Let The Arts Begin”, Sheraton Hotel Geelong, 2006
“Contemporary Art for Corporate Spaces”, Geelong, 2005
“Geelong Sculptors Exhibition”, Geelong, 2002-2004
“Throught the Keyhole”, Geelong, 2002-2003
“Sculptural Artscape”, Ballarat Festival, 2002
”Totemic Shapes”, Geelong Gallery, 1997
Collections
National Australia Bank Collection
Geelong College Art Collection
Kardinia International College Artworks
Artists in residence
“Art In the City” Geelong College, Melbourne 2004-2006
Kardinia International College 2005-2006
Lara Secondary College 2006
The Geelong College Courtyard development 2006
Commissions
Kardinia International College
The Geelong College
Whitford Residence
Publications
Geelong Magazine, Feature Story, January 2005
House and Garden Magazine, Feature Story, March 2007
Geelong Independent, Feature Story, June 2009
Skills
Curator Geelong College Art show, 2005-2008
COGG Assistant to Andrew Rogers in the creation of The Geelong Geoglyphs
Consulted by COGG for Artworks for World Road Race 2010
