Martin Leslie - ARTE artist of the month

 

  • What inspires you? Where do your ideas come from?
    Life itself.  Lines, most of them invariably curved.  The (especially) incidental, accidental juxtaposition and symmetry of line, form and colour.  As to where ideas come from?  I confess to not knowing.  A blank mind and similar piece of paper allows magic to happen.  Often the drawing is merely a small portion of this magic.  The meditation that transpires during the event is - perhaps - a treasure not shared.

 

  • Greatest claim to fame (with respect to your craft)      
    No claim to fame in respect of artwork - on paper.  None sought.  However, I have had the privilege of sharing beautiful music with thousands of listeners on Melbourne's Oldest Community Radio Station - 3MBS.  As a presenter of a weekly, late-night programme ''Jazz Rivers'' for many years, I was able to connect music and musicians with many people.

 

  • Where were you born?

Born in India.  My father was in the Railway then, which contributed to a rootless nature of things like ''home''.  Currently on paper - and for many years - a Citizen of Australia.  At heart, though, a citizen of the Universe.

 

7        How did you learn your craft?

Have no ''formal'' learning of ''craft''.  Have drawn since the invention of paper and pencil.  Before that in my mind's eye.  Always.

 

7        Favourite film of all time?

Impossible to pick a favourite movie.  But the very concept of a movie - such as Grand Canyon USA (Kevin Kline, Danny Glover, Steve Martin) - allows for faith in human kind.

 

  • What was the last CD you bought?

Music is a vital part of my life.  I possess about 500 CD's I have yet to hear.  And a few thousand that I have.  The last CD I bought was by Anouar Brahem (divine musician, plays Oud), cannot remember the title.

 

  • Are you married?

Was married. 

 

  • Do you have kids

Two precious daughters - now grown women.  Precious validation of the union of two people.  Karen-Ann's first experience of shore life was in the Emirates.  She was, then three years old, having spent 2 1/2 formative years at sea on Merchant ships.  She grew up speaking mostly in Nautical terminology.  Next month she journey's to Africa to work with very under-privileged and sick children.  Deborah was born in the Emirates.  She is a Theatre Nurse.  She cares.  Both girls live in Melbourne.

 

  • How long have you been in the UAE

Eight years in the UAE between 1981/88. 

 

  • How long do you intend to stay in the UAE?

This time ''round'' - 1 year.  The period of my stay this time is fluid.  Perhaps long enough?

 

  • Do you belong to any other groups?

No ''groups''.  ARTE's my first.  (Is it possible that - like Groucho Marx I do not choose to belong to any group that will have me as a member?!).

 

  • What are your favourite Materials?

Material - Paper and pen or pencil.  Sometimes, absorbent paper, ink and brush (sumi e).

 

  • What is your favourite colour?

No favourite colour.

 

  • What are you reading right now?

A book by Paulo Coelho.

 

  • Apart from creating things, what else do you do?

I don't imagine I ''create''.  Artwork merely flows through me when I am fortunate to give it shape, form, colour, words, music.  To pay the bills I happen to be a Marine Surveyor, a somewhat logical extension to a career at sea.

 

  • Your star sign

Aquarius.

 

Martin can be contacted on elemgee54@hotmail.com