 Icarus, 1996 bronze, 52" × 20" × 21" |
 Time Machine bronze, 7" × 4" |
Leslie Drysdale – Artist Biography
Leslie Drysdale was born in 1961 in Hamilton and earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Guelph. He is a full-time sculptor and art instructor and a member of the Sculptor's Society of Canada, among other professional arts organizations. Shortly after his graduation, he received the first of the several public commissions. This was for the three bronze sculptures at the Toronto Metropolitan Police Headquarters. Notably, his works can also be found at the Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital, St. Paul the Apostle Parish both in Burlington, and in Hamilton at the Philharmonic Orchestra, and BDO Dunwoody Ward Mallete Inc. His works have also been collected throughout the rest of Canada, the United States, and Europe. Since 1982, he has exhibited his sculptures regularly throughout Ontario.
Drysdale explores myth in his figurative works, producing contemporary yet classical forms displaying the power of the human spirit and its underlying vulnerability. His influences range from the Hellenistic to the Renaissance to present day sources such as Ipousteguy. Their common bond is the technical ability to transcend their chosen medium to create works that are alive, evoking a personal emotional response to all those that view the works. In his own words, Drysdale affirms:
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In my work I have tried to adhere to these principles and create works that do have a life of their own which can arouse intensely impassioned reactions from viewers. Most of my work is based on mythical themes, which I feel are timeless ideals that speak about the human condition, our strengths and indestructible spirit and yet our vulnerabilities and morality. My approach to each work is an intuitive one, reacting to the natural thrusts and stresses of the figure, interlacing textured forms with elegant curves and planes of figure and drapery. The result is an overall dynamic rhythm between anatomical reality, texture and form, creating a dramatic and powerful sculpture. |
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| — Leslie Drysdale |