Bio

Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, Leah graduated from Punahou High School in 1986 and then from UCLA with a double degree in History and Art History.  Upon moving back to Honolulu, an interest in art therapy led her to Chaminade’s Graduate Program in Counseling Psychology, in which she received her Masters in 1998.  Leah has been increasingly involved in art over the past few years, as an instructor, participant in several mixed/open exhibits and as an independent contractor. She received awards in 1997 in the city-sponsored Recycled Art Show (best in show) and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce’s “Commitment to Excellence” exhibit (honorable mention - 3D).  Major creative influences are: William Morris, Paul Gauguin, Gustav Klimt, Barcelona, Oriental rugs, pierced lanterns, Chinese cloisonné, Moorish architecture and her mom, artist Ronny Kilpatrick.

Leah took a profound interest in the tile work and mosaics she encountered through her travels in Europe and Asia.  During an “art day” with a few friends, some rejected bathroom tiles and a bunch of plates from Goodwill, Leah made a mosaic Chinese dragon table and a faux Gauguin mosaic panel.  Then a handmade fountain that didn’t work and some small ceramic and wire sculptures.  That led to bathroom panels, kitchen backsplashes and mosaic wall-hangings.  The hobby turned into an obsession which turned into a career.  Guided by the experienced words of Coy Long, a major art and tile installer for the state of Hawaii, Leah has expanded into producing and installing large-scale architectural mosaics.  Her current mosaic style of strong designs and bright colors reflects her range of influences: eclectic historical artistic styles and a rediscovery of the local communities.  As the mother of 2 young boys, she is also interested in painting fun and creative furniture and wall murals for children.  Leah has a number of art pieces and mosaics in private collections.  Currently she is involved with several commercial and residential mosaic commissions both locally and internationally.Read about Leah's latest project in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin

An example of Leah's "before" illustration and "after" mosaic.