About Me
Creative
I had always had an inclination towards art, and as a child, I spent my time doodling. After graduating from high school in 1975, I focused on other ventures. My passage brought me to New York, and it was there that my creative journey began. In 1984, a co-worker saw several of my drawings, and was impressed by my work enough to offer me a position at a community center teaching art. I found support for my art from a variety of people, but it was my co-worker who encouraged and motivated me the most. I decided to pursue art as a career, and my journey as a self-taught artist began.
Influences
I have been highly influenced, directly and indirectly, by a myriad of artists, but one of my greatest influences came from artist Jacob Lawrence. I found his work to be very intriguing, and I thoroughly appreciated the story-telling aspects of his art. I had become very interested in the art of story-telling and was driven to find inspiring works that would guide my direction as an artist. During my childhood, I had always listened to the stories that my elders shared, and I learned about its importance in African American culture. I was inspired to find a way to incorporate what I learned into my art.
Impactful Moments
I had the immense pleasure of meeting Jacob Lawrence only three years after his exhibition at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C. After an informative lecture at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, we had the opportunity share a few poignant words and pose for a photograph. Meeting Jacob Lawrence made a profound impact on my life, and helped to confirm my place in the visual arts community.
Inspirations
My inspirations come from a variety of sources, but I am grateful for the assistance and support that I have received throughout the years from many local artists. They have supported me along the way, and helped me to find my visual voice. My stylized figurative works are often created using mixed media to add creative interest and texture. I have created a signature style by painting images without facial features, except for full lips, and elongated necks. I wanted to leave room for the viewers own interpretation of the pieces by doing so.
The Coffee Table Book
In the last thirty years, since choosing this path; my works have been featured in a variety of gallery, corporate, and university exhibitions, and I have had the pleasure of exhibiting in Africa, Turkey, and England. I have been featured in various intereviews, and my art has graced the walls of many movie sets.
Currently, I am in the process of working on my memoir, which will detail my creative beginnings, and my inspirations and struggles throughout my artistic career. This coffee table book is my lastest exciting endeavor, and I hope that you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed producing it.
Leroy Campbell visits Woodward Academy Lower School
Leroy Campbell visits and speaks to the students of Woodward Academy Lower School, Atlanta for Black History Month. See more photos of Leroy Campbell and students
Leroy Campbell visits Kennedy Middle School, Atlanta
Leroy Campbell was invited by principal , Andrea Dziengue and the students of Kennedy middle school students, Atlanta in celebration of black history month. Leroy and the students collaborated and completed a beautiful work of art that will be hung in the school.
Harlem Fine Arts Show Celebrates Black History Month
Executives and guests of The Harlem Fine Arts Show will visit the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on FEBRUARY 7, 2013 to commemorate Black History Month and Opening Night of the 4TH Annual Harlem Fine Arts Show. To mark the occasion, Dion Clarke, Founder of the Harlem Arts Show will ring the NYSE Opening Bell.
Testimonials
“Leroy Campbell infuses God into the palette of his work. His artwork brings solace to suffering, joy to living, depth to memories, and love to loss. Leroy’s art provided my soul with the healing that it needed at the weakest point of my life, and continues to mend my heart and bring me joy every day. It is truly a blessing in my home and my life.”
Tanya Vancourt
“Several years ago I had the opportunity to meet Leroy Campbell, who has proven to be one of the most brilliant artist I could ever imagine. To this very day I am thrilled to have purchased several of his masterpieces. They will always be my most cherished possessions in my art collection. I would highly recommend Leroy Campbell’s art to anyone looking for something unique, creative, clever and inspiring which also embraces an afrocentric twist. I couldn’t be more pleased.”
Cindy Shoats
“The mural that Leroy Campbell designed for the floor of Kandake House, one of the most comprehensive alternative to incarceration residences for women and children in the world, is incredibly inspirational to the residents of its programs. Women, many coming right from abandoned cars, rooftops, crack dens or jail cells, are completely overwhelmed by the beauty and warmth of the mural. This was exactly Greenhope’s intent — to commission a piece that would inspire a message of hope and healing to those who were terrified of ever hoping again. Mr. Campbell delivered on his first attempt and “Helping Hand” continues to comfort and inspire all who live in and visit Kandake. Comments such as ” I knew I was in the right place when I saw those women reaching out to help me in that picture on the floor,” and “I couldn’t believe that this place was built for me; that I could live in a place so beautiful,” are vivid testimony to the impact of his vision. Greenhope will always be grateful to Mr. Campbell, who in a moment’s notice, flew to New York City to meet with clients, staff and board members to create “Helping Hand” for our newly constructed facility. He was visibly moved by the prospect of assisting us in the creation of a safe and healing space. It has been an honor to be blessed with the presence and talent of such a beautiful spirit. We love you Leroy! God bless you.”
Greenhope Services For Women, Inc.
“Campbell is just brillz. His work is riveting, stirring the soul and transporting the mind into the dreams of our elders and the rich heritage that is uniquely ours!”
Mikki Taylor
Art in the Atrium, Inc. is a volunteer arts organization based in Morristown, NJ. Each year since 1992, we have showcased thirty artists and in excess of one hundred works within the Atrium Gallery of the Administration and Records Building of Morristown, NJ. Our exhibition and sale has become a major art event in the NY/NJ region.
We have had the honor and pleasure of exhibiting Mr. Campbell’s work since 1994. Leroy has been a loyal supporter of our organization and its programs and as well has encouraged numerous high quality artisans to participate in our annual show.
During ATA’s tenth anniversary celebration in 2002 we were named “Art Organization of the Year” by the Arts Council of the Morris Area. Leroy’s commissioned work “Atrium’s Journey” and his energetic gallery talk was surely the catalyst for our organization receiving this prestigious honor and award.
Leroy’s work is the top selling art work every year. He can be counted on to engage our patrons at each opening reception in lively discussion about the imagery and message his art conveys. His work continues to be fresh, current and appealing.
Victoria C. Craig For the Directors of Art in the Atrium, Inc.
Leroy Campbell
Leroy Campbell Fine Art
Atlanta, Georgia
info@leroycampbellart.com
Phone: 917.744.5705
Gallery Chuma
43 John StreetCharleston, South Carolina 29403
Phone: 843.722.7568
www.gallerychuma.com
NYC House of Art
373 Lewis AveBrooklyn, New York 11233
Phone: 374.663.8195
www.hoagallery.com
Mackey Twins Art Gallery
75 Brookfield RoadMt. Vernon, NY 10552
Phone: 917.796.5895
www.mackeytwinsart.com
E and S Gallery
108 South 10th StreetLouisville, KY 40202
Phone: 502.568.2005
www.eandsgallery.com
