BEHIND THE BRUSH: PICNIC SEASON X LEAH RICKWOOD

Bendigo-based artist Leah Rickwood is a painter whose practice is rooted in connection - to people, to nature, and to the stories that emerge when the two meet.

Drawn to organic forms, warm tones and layered textures, Leah often incorporates natural elements like sand into her works, creating pieces that feel harmonious and deeply reflective of the world around her.

Her artistic journey took an unexpected turn through the Incognito Art Show, an experience that removed ego from the creative process and sparked meaningful connections with new audiences.

That spirit of connection now continues in her collaboration with Picnic Season, where her work celebrates the beauty of the everyday - from her toddler’s garden-picked flowers to the rhythms of the landscape she calls home.

Balancing her creative practice with motherhood, Leah paints intuitively, often in fleeting windows of time, finding joy and drive in those moments.

 

Leah, let’s start with the story that brought us together – the Incognito Art Show. Can you tell us a bit about what drew you to submit a piece and what that experience meant to you as an artist?

When I first learned about Incognito I was so excited to take part, I couldn't believe I didn't know about it earlier! It's such a trustfall, putting your work out there and the premise of Incognito really takes the ego out of the game, which I really enjoy. Having the artist's name hidden puts the artwork front and centre in such a unique way, which actually feels that much more rewarding when it really does connect with someone in the sea of other amazing artworks. Ironically, there is a great deal more connection through Incognito, as I find there is more of an invitation for the buyer to reach out to the artist. I love this, as so much goes into creating an artwork. Knowing where it lands is so special. Then for this connection to now lead to our current collaboration was wholly unexpected but so welcome!

 

For those new to your work, how would you describe your artistic style and the kinds of stories or feelings you like to evoke through your art?

I can't help but keep coming back to painting the natural world around me in ways that feel warm and reflective. Abstract and quite organic shapes really the basis of my works and I hope to create pieces that feel harmonious. My approach to my practice is quite intuitive, at its best it is flowing and easeful. I love to build upon layers and often incorporate natural elements such as sand into my paintings to really bring home that natural connection.

 

You’re currently raising a very busy almost-two year old at home. How has that shaped or shifted your creative process lately?

In the biggest way possible. And the best way. Motherhood has taught me so much about doing hard and uncomfortable things and that has been transformational in the way I show up creatively. Whilst I most definitely have so much less time to paint than I used to, I find that I really value it so much more and am definitely more driven when I do get in the studio.

 

Many of your works feel deeply personal yet also beautifully universal. How has becoming a parent influenced the themes or energy in your art?

It's kind of all the cliches, isn't it? All the things you heard that never meant anything until you grow this being and it changes everything. Then everything hits you with such weight. I'm constantly astonished that so many people have raised children well, and find myself really admiring other mothers and parents - it's a really connecting experience. Connection is a theme I'm always coming back to in my works. Connection with each other, connection to our land and how our present will become what is inherited in generations to come.
Nothing can be of any importance in a vacuum, I find this interplay of elements endlessly fascinating.

 

What does a typical creative day look like for you right now? Are there any rituals or routines that help you find time or headspace to create?

It really evolves a lot - right now it is working around naptimes which can be wildly unpredictable. So getting stuck right in, knowing I might get 20 minutes or 90 minutes, really helps to push past my tendency to deliberate, and to work quite intuitively. When the weekend rolls around I get the luxury of a few undisturbed hours to really get in a flow state. It's such a treat. Starting off these mornings with a long run really helps shake out the energy of the week and keeps me focused in my practice. It's so helpful to get into a state of more bodily awareness and loosen up before getting stuck into the studio.

 

The Incognito Art Show is such a unique concept: anonymous works, affordable prices, and a mission to inspire a new generation of collectors. What role do you think shows like this play in shaping the art world for emerging artists?

I think it’s huge. It removes a lot of the barriers that can make the art world feel exclusive or intimidating, both for artists and buyers. I really went in with low expectations and didn't overthink it but I'm so glad that I did, as it has changed my path as an artist in a very real way. It's so easy to get caught up in social media pressure as an artist and to believe that making a social media personality of yourself is the way for emerging artists to get their name out there. I am completely behind ways of connecting with audiences that breaks away from all that and is based on real connection. I love that at the end of a sale of an Incognito piece, everyone is left feeling like they’ve won.

 

We’re so excited to feature your work as part of Picnic Season – a brand that’s all about colour, connection, and time spent outdoors. What were your thoughts or inspiration when creating a piece for this collaboration?

When it was proposed to have a warm chocolate brown be the base of the piece, I knew this collaboration was going to work - our brains were working on the same wavelength. I'm a big fan of how deep warm natural tones work so beautifully and in harmony with other colours. I think I see this is a reflection of nature, the blooms emerging from the earth.
Being immersed in the outdoors is critical for me and my family and is part of our everyday, rain or shine. I wanted to create a celebration of this; of the flowers my toddler picks for me from the garden. The pansies in this piece really came together after one afternoon when those chubby hands gave me a little posy, and those flowers were used as direct reference as I was painting.
Our connection and interaction with the land we are on, all the native and wild things growing together in a kind of harmony was the vision behind this work.

 

What’s been the most unexpected part of your journey as an artist so far – whether creatively, professionally, or personally?

I think I truly believed that once I had a child I would lose all my creative zest, but in fact it has only fueled it so much more. I almost put my easel out in hard rubbish when I was pregnant! I don't think I expected motherhood to have such a close connection to my creative life, but it has been such a catalyst for getting out there and showing up as the person I want to be.

 

What advice would you give to other emerging artists who are also juggling caregiving or parenting responsibilities while trying to grow creatively?

Keep doing what you can, whenever you can. It's not ground-breaking, but keeping that little fire burning inside is so important. This doesn't mean that every day has to be a visibly productive one. Just keep that creative part of you receptive and ready to go when you do catch a rare moment.

 

Lastly, where can people see more of your work or follow your journey online?

I’m most active on Instagram – @leah.rickwood. I share new pieces, studio shots and exciting projects.