Excellence in Design with Leeroy New | ExceLens

Summary

Leroy New, a Filipino artist and designer, shares his creative journey from his childhood in General Santos City to becoming a prominent figure in Manila’s art scene. Encouraged by his parents, Leroy’s early passion for drawing led to formal training at the Philippine High School for the Arts. His art is inspired by natural forms and urban Filipino ingenuity, using unconventional materials like sawdust. A strong advocate for collaboration, Leroy’s practice bridges multiple disciplines. His site-specific work challenges traditional art spaces and fosters community engagement. Leroy views art as a transformative tool, advocating for societal progress and inclusivity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Leroy New is an artist and designer from General Santos City, Philippines, currently based in Manila.
• 🎨 His artistic journey began in childhood, supported by his parents, who encouraged his passion by providing large sheets of paper for him to draw on.
• 👾 Inspired by local art in his hometown, Leroy initially replicated traditional pieces before discovering diverse forms of artistic expression in his education.
• 📚 Leroy attended the Philippine High School for the Arts, which exposed him to more unconventional art forms, challenging his creative limits.
• 🌱 His early work included creating a sawdust sculpture called 'Cradle,' a technique he learned from his mentor Roberto Fileo, using natural materials like sawdust and adhesive.
• 🛠 Leroy is drawn to non-traditional materials, often finding inspiration in the ingenuity of urban Filipinos who transform discarded objects into functional art.
• 🤝 Leroy’s current artistic practice revolves around collaboration with specialists in various fields, including urban design, film, and industrial design.
• 🎯 Leroy believes in trusting his creative process and exploring multiple avenues, despite commercial pressures to focus on a single artistic medium.
• 🏙 His site-specific works engage directly with communities, moving beyond traditional galleries to make art accessible to people in everyday spaces.
• 🌍 As an artist, Leroy aims to contribute to a more inclusive and progressive society by using his art to open minds and spark meaningful conversations about social change.

Q & A

What is Leroy New's background and how did he get into art?

Leroy New is an artist and designer originally from General Santos City, Philippines. His interest in art started at a young age when he began drawing as soon as he learned how to pick up a pen. His parents, particularly his father, were very supportive, encouraging him to explore his creativity.

What were Leroy New's early inspirations in art?

Leroy New was inspired by the limited art he encountered in General Santos City, particularly the Mabini-type paintings in small malls. He replicated these works, believing they were the only form of art until he gained exposure to a broader range of artistic expressions.

How did Leroy New's experience at the Philippine High School for the Arts shape his artistic journey?

Attending the Philippine High School for the Arts was a culture shock for Leroy, especially coming from a conservative background. It exposed him to different forms of artistic expression and helped him realize that there are no limitations to creative exploration.

What is Leroy New's approach to sourcing materials for his art?

Leroy New prefers to move away from traditional art materials and seeks inspiration from urban Filipino ingenuity. He observes how people repurpose common objects into functional or decorative pieces and uses these insights to inform his work.

Can you explain Leroy New's sawdust sculpture 'Cradle'?

The piece 'Cradle' created by Leroy New in 2005 for a competition is a sawdust sculpture. It was inspired by his mentor Roberto Fileo, who taught him to use sawdust mixed with adhesive as a cost-effective way to create intricate sculptures that resemble wood once cured.

What role do collaboration and interdisciplinary work play in Leroy New's practice?

Collaboration is central to Leroy New's artistic process. He works with a variety of specialists such as urban designers, film directors, and industrial designers to broaden his understanding and contribute to diverse projects. These collaborations also serve as a way for him to learn from different systems of operation in the world.

What advice did Leroy New receive about his career, and how did he respond to it?

Leroy New was advised to specialize in a single area to make himself more marketable. However, he did not follow this advice and instead continued to explore diverse creative fields. Over time, he found his unique platform and audience.

How does Leroy New approach creating site-specific art projects?

Leroy New enjoys working on site-specific art projects because they allow him to engage directly with communities and negotiate the terms of space usage. These projects also provide an opportunity to introduce art to people who typically don't visit museums or galleries.

Why does Leroy New believe that artists have an important role in society?

Leroy New believes that artists can offer alternatives to conventional ways of thinking and living. He sees creative practices as transformative, capable of shifting how we engage with one another and contribute to societal progress.

What are Leroy New's hopes for the future of art in the Philippines?

Leroy New hopes to see the Philippines move towards more progressive and inclusive ideals, with artists playing an active role in shaping this future. He believes that artists can uplift spirits, open minds, and unite people for the betterment of society.