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FOR THE ARCHIVES | Leo Greenfield

 WHO IS LEO:

Leo is endlessly high on life, and sees both the beauty and vulnerability in life through a creative lense. Through his distinctive style, Leo has worked with the likes of Gucci and Tiffany; elevating their looks with an imperfect, free artform. We sat down with Leo in the rainy Potts Point, Sydney, to discuss where he draws creativity, his love of functional luxury and what makes him happy.

 

INTERVIEW:

 

QUESTION 1 -  Our mantra is "wear to death". What does that mean to you? 

I think you want things in your wardrobe to really work for you and I think the best things are the things that last forever and you're kind of, only through experimentation do you find those things. I know for myself, being an artist you don't always have huge income at your disposal so the wear to death pieces are your ride or dies. And you keep coming back to them. I think that's what you want clothing to do. Today I wore a top for you that I've had since I was 19. It's very much wear to death and it keeps serving me and some of the trendiest or coolest, fashionable brand and stuff I've forked out on in the past hasn't always given that to me. Like it's been a bit of a mistake or a bit of a fail and then other stuff that has come into my possession you just wear and wear and wear.
 

QUESTION 2 - Where do you feel most creative?

I gotta say, it often comes when you are least expecting it. 'cause you can't push ideas ... it sounds a bit corny, but when I am walking, heading to the train, when I am running errands, the idea will hit me and the key is trying to hold onto it. 

 

 

QUESTION 3 - How would you describe your creative process?

My creative process has a lot to do with drawing ... usually starts with drawing. For me, finding the next step of the creative process only happens when there is a starting point. Once I take those notes and start the process, it leads to the next drawing. It is a bit like sport - you gotta warm up before you hit your peak stride. That is basically my process - having my book on me and drawing when an idea hits me, or sitting at the end of the day and pouring out my ideas onto the page. I also have to trust my instincts around what will become a painting, an animation, or a larger work.

 

All about getting your reps in. There are days where you just have to show up and doing it. Try a little every day and building on my skill set bit by bit every day.

 

QUESTION 4 - What inspired you to pursue your artistic passion full time?

I was inspired as a little kid. In truth, you never think you are going to actually do it, but it is something I love doing and it is part of my daily life. It is hard to explain. I tried to get a normal job and it never worked out. When you are looking for jobs, things are frantic, I always had art to come back to. Whether a good day or a bad day, I feel like art is there for me. More than some lofty idea of wanting to be an artist because in the culture it feels like an impossible thing, for me working full time on my art is a daily practice that is really helpful in life. It helps me process my ideas, to process what I have seen and to hold life concrete. You can look at your notes or your diary, but for me that is achieved through my art.

 

I am never satisfied, so I am always trying to improve. That desire to improve also pushes me every day, and truly inspires me.

 

 

QUESTION 5 - What is art to you?

Art does not have to be this expensive thing that is for the super rich. It is part of daily life. You can have a job and still do art, hold exhibitions, etc. Young people have the capacity to pursue whatever they dream of, so keep going I say.

 

QUESTION 6 - What value do you place in creativity?

We desire these beautiful things and these fabulous clothes as an armour, not least because they are beautiful to look at. As I cannot always afford the pieces I want, I am still fascinated by so will draw it and comment on it through my artwork. That is where I am mainly interested. Often but not always, more expensive things will last longer. That longevity and story building with pieces is true luxury.

 

 

QUESTION 7 - What does archiving mean to you?

I am quite obsessed with archiving. I sometimes make artwork just to file it away. Taking care of it, sorting it, editing your archive ... part of the process. I make drawings about moments in time so for me keeping it is really important. This is really important for an artist. I feel like knowing what to let go is part of the process. 

 

You look at the archives of fashion houses. They are very important things as they capture a moment in time and you can learn from your archive. Learn from your own archive, not someone else.

 

QUESTION 8 - How do you reflect on the Adelaide creative scene?

There are different creatives in Adelaide who have gone so far. People in Adelaide have a great ability to be proud of where they are from but equally look outside of themselves. I think that gives Adelaide creatives quite a lot of freedom. It is also super collaborative which I think is a leg up on others. Teamwork is crucial. For me, that is key to overcoming 'place'.