From jellyfish and humpback whales to dreamy glimpses of paradise, Ballito-based artist Leigh Bisset creates works that capture the awe and majesty of the ocean.
Leigh has spent her life close to the sea, and its pull is evident in every brushstroke. After years in branding and graphic design, she returned to her first love – fine art. Her large-scale paintings celebrate the beauty of creation, blending boldness with subtlety in a way that stirs the soul. We caught up with Leigh to chat about her process and what keeps her inspired.
Your work often features ocean themes. What draws you to these subjects?
The ocean is my solace – a force that cannot be contained. I paint ocean creatures to reflect the wonder of creation. My iconic, larger-than-life jellyfish float seductively on crisp backgrounds, their frills pulsing across the canvas like petals or the skirt of a flamenco dancer.
Jellyfish fascinate me – they have no heart, no brain and no bones, and yet they exist in all their vibrant glory. I also explore the power and grace of humpback whales, portraying them as symbols of awe and environmental concern.
My latest series, Glimpse into Paradise, uses thin layers of pigment on raw linen, a minimal colour palette and plenty of negative space. The effect is a dreamy mirage – an authentic and timeless vision of tropical escape. The lush palms of a coastal belt invite the viewer into a moment of calm and exhale.
Can you walk us through your creative process?
I’m deeply inspired by the beauty of creation, and my goal is to connect that beauty to human emotion. When a subject speaks to me, I begin by gathering reference material to understand its form and nature. I then compose my own images – often using Photoshop – and use those as a guide.
On canvas, I aim to use bold brushstrokes and colour to define form without being overly detailed. I want to leave space for the imagination. I know a piece is successful when it stirs emotion, when it makes the viewer feel. My desire is to create art that inspires hope and transcends the ordinary – objects of beauty that take on a life of their own and uplift amid the noise, cynicism and chaos.
How do you stay motivated and inspired during periods of creative block or self-doubt?
Luckily, I have a lot of self-discipline, which helps me show up even when I’m uncertain. Self-doubt is part of being an artist. It takes courage to silence those internal voices. I believe creative talent is a gift from God, and that the spirit of God leads us. I remind myself of that and trust the process. And sometimes… I just go surfing!
Details: leighbissetcreative.com
IG: @leighbissetcreative
