Born in Newlyn into a family of studio potters, Tom Leaper developed his own artistic style while working in the pottery before going on to study sculpture. He’s worked in Cornwall for the past 35 years and its culture and landscape imbues all that he creates. Tom’s practice involves large scale public projects and private commissions alongside his studio work. Being involved in his community is very important; Leaper has worked closely with local charities and organisations, firmly feeling that art is for all to enjoy.
Tom is highly skilled in metalwork, particularly bronze and stainless steel. He has also embraced cutting-edge design processes and media such as fibreglass and Jesmonite. Alongside using drone site-mapping and AutoCAD design, Tom 3D scan his handmade works, which are then digitally enlarged and milled before being cast. This allows him to retain the inherent organic qualities of hand-formed sculpture at an impressive scale.
Tom’s Jesmonite pieces are at once striking and oddly harmonious. His practice is uplifting; he believes artwork can have a profound effect on people without being serious in tone or political in subject. He is drawn to organic shapes as more expressive in their simplicity than complicated, figurative designs. He selects bright colours that contrast the natural forms. This playful juxtaposition is used to enhance the power of the shape where a muted palette would dull it.
Ultimately Tom’s work offers the viewer a subtle, thoughtful experience. He doesn’t ask them to wrestle with difficult concepts but rather to be heartened and in this pleasing engagement reflect more deeply.
For the most up to date information regarding Tom’s work, look at his Facebook page or follow him on Instagram @ tom_leaper.
Timeline
1981 Falmouth Art College Foundation
1982/1984 Manchester University Fine Art Sculpture B.A Arts with hons
1985/1988 Assitant sculptor to David Kemp, sculptures include The Navigators Hayes Galleria, The Ancient Forrester Grizedale,Transformers Sunderland
1986/1987 Raku Sculpture
1988/1994 mixed and solo shows Gallery Tresco
1994 Men in Ore, landscape sculpture Geevor Tin Mines
1995 The Flight of Cornish Industry landscape Sculpture Geevor
1995 Shoal stainless steel sculpture Tresco
1997 The Agave Fountain Tresco Abbey Gardens
1997/1999 mi9xed and solo exhibitions
1999 The Magnolia Fountain Trewithen Gardens
1999 The Millenium Fountain Settrington House
2001 The Camilla Fountain Faro
2002 Scallop Founatains Settrington House
2003 Focal Point Hell Bay Hotel Isles of Scilly
2003 Newlyn Heritage Trail Markers
2004 Camillia Fountain Huystins Weybridge
2005 Magnolia Fountain Arley Hall
2005 Mousehole heritage markers
2005 Tresco Garden Arches Tresco
2006 Oval Form Tresco
2006 Sail Tresco
2007 The Newlyn Fiserman Memorial
2008/2009 Lead artist Penzance town Regeneration scheme
2010 Cube Tresco Abbey Gardens
2010 St Julias Hospice GHarden Design
2011 flooating Cube Tresco Abbey Gardens
2012 The Ludlow Angel
2012 Frampton Court Sculpture Show
2013 Sun and Sail Mousehole
2013 Islands of Colour St Just Airport
2014 Greebes Penwith Gallery
2014 Stacking Frosts no 38 bristol
2015 gold Cube no 38 Bristol
2016/17 Floral Sculpture bronze settrington House
2018 Jesmonite sculptures/ Private Red
2019 Nyne Gallery London, sculpture exhibition
2019 Agent Orange Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens
2019 Mayflower Heritage Trail Dartmouth
