Michael J Leeb

Caiman

drawing. pen & ink, graphite. 4.5" x 6". 2022.

Horned Serpent #2

drawing. pen & nk. 4.5" x 6". 2022

Horned Serpent

photograph. 4" x 6". 2022

Otter

photograph. 4" x 6". 2022

Pterodactyl

photograph. 4" x 6". 2022

Raven's Mask

mixed media Drawing. Pen & ink, graphite & water-colour pencils. 4.5" x 6". 2022

Artist Statement

Many of these drawings are found forms that resemble fantastical creatures or mythical spirit-beings that I discover in nature— especially geography, and geology—though these drawings are of the roots of cottonwood trees found at Nicholas Sheran Park within the city of Lethbridge. These drawings represent acts of pareidolia and are expressions of discovery, curiosity, and creative manifestation. These drawings may also be considered complex-form line drawings with similarities to Indigenous Art of the Pacific Northwest, which also, in some instances, are similar to the art and design of tattoos.

Michael J. Leeb is a métis visual artist, writer, and poet (Chippewa Cree/German). Michael is a printmaker (drypoint copper etchings), a papermaker, and creates mixed media drawings/ink paintings and artist books. His work is included in the collections of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, the Bruce Peel Special Collections Library of the University of Alberta, Medalta Potteries, and the Ino-Cho Paper Museum (Japan).