Lee Leibrandt

Tapestry Weaver

From reference to tapestry

By leeleibrandt

The last couple of months has seen me weaving additional work for my upcoming solo exhibition in May. These will complement the Majura series of tapestries, which make up most of the work for exhibit. 

I thought I’d share a little insight into how one of these pieces has evolved… from using reference photos of a visit to Woolshed Falls (Vic), to collage, cartoon, and finally tapestry.

A colourful rendition of a tapestry design - in greens, blues, oranges and white. The design is of an abstract waterfall.

You can see the biggest change to the design is in comparing the original collage and the cartoon. My work is often based on my memory, feelings and experience of place, rather than replicating an exact scene. So I think of each tapestry as more of a dreamlike manifestation. But also I just really love colour!

The tapestry shown here is a sampler. I wanted to test the colours and design before weaving the full-size piece. I was quite happy with the result overall, but I did make a few adjustments for the final version. You can see Woolshed and many of my other tapestries on exhibition at M16 ArtSpace, 16 May – 9 June 2024.

  • Fiona, AUSTRALIAFiona, AUSTRALIAMemories of an Island Home
    When I asked Lee to commission a piece for me detailing my favourite view of my island home in New Zealand, I was not disappointed. From the very beginning, Lee was responsive and provided excellent customer service. She took such care in selecting the colour palette, I really felt that she was honouring my childhood memories and treating them with love, care and respect – it meant a lot to me. She kept me informed of her progress every step of the way and gave me choices about how the final piece would look and feel. When it came to framing the piece, little extra touches such as using wood from Tasmania because she knew I used to live there, was really touching. All of these personal gestures added up to the most valuable sentimental piece that I absolutely adore. The piece itself is professionally executed with such precision, featuring a melody of colours and textures that stand out and complement each other all at the same time. Pricing is fair, reflecting the time and effort that goes in to the final piece. I would highly recommend Lee if you have a treasured memory you want depicted in to something tangible, or just want a high quality, unique, eclectic, and naturalistic memento.
  • Catherine, USACatherine, USAVegan Commission

    I decided to treat myself and buy some art for my wall and came across some photos of amazing woven art by Lee Leibrandt. After stalking her online for awhile (nothing but love and admiration ?) and signing up for her newsletter, I knew for certain that a piece from her was what I wanted for my wall. It sounds like a huge commitment on my part but in reality the price is absolutely reasonable for a lovely handmade piece made just for me. Lee was so sweet to work with and included me, as much as I wanted to be included, in the decisions. My main requirement was that the fibers be all vegan, and she did it! I have to shout out to her father who does the amazing woodwork and frame. It all came together beautifully, so beautifully that based on the progress pictures I also asked Lee for a handwoven basket to hang on my wall. Thank you Lee, for these amazing pieces of art, for sharing your talent, for being inspired by my IG page and likes. Nothing but LOVE!

  • Bec, AUSTRALIABec, AUSTRALIAA Memory Honoured

    "Working with Lee was an absolute pleasure and I can’t recommend her highly enough. The piece I commissioned held a lot of emotional significance for me. Lee managed the process with professionalism, empathy and care, which filled me with confidence in her and her work. I loved receiving updates along the way and felt the excitement and momentum building right through until I received my tapestry. I am so blown away with the end result; a divine artwork, which I will treasure forever. Thank you, Lee."

  • Dianne, AUSTRALIADianne, AUSTRALIAGolden Bar Purchase

    "This is beautiful work. Made with beautiful hand spun yarns, it has pride of place in our family room where we can appreciate it everyday!"

  • Julie, AUSTRALIAJulie, AUSTRALIAA Wintery Commission

    "I feel honoured to have a piece in my home by this talented artist! I was after a specific theme - Scandinavian Winter - Lee created a tapestry that was beyond what I had expected! Truly an artist worth supporting!!"

  • Kara, UKKara, UKCustom Order for a Wedding Gift

    "The custom tapestry is perfect and a beautiful interpretation of the original landscape photo that I gave to Lee. It was very well received as a wedding gift by my friend who really loved it. Lee is a very talented and creative artist producing very special and unique pieces of work."

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xx L