LESHA KOKOSKY
Artist
"Lesha's work leads us to experience new levels of association and meaning, and I am always aware of a quality in her work that reminds me that a feminine perspective is being expressed. It is not a stereotypical view because so much of her work is still life and flowers; rather, it is a reflection on a deep level of what it is to experience life as a woman.
...When I see things in her work that speak to pride in her Ukrainian heritage, to love of her daughter, to her passion for the natural world and its beauty, I know that everyone else, whether they know her or not, also shares those experiences...
Lesha helps us to understand her subjects' true natures, enriched with colours, forms, patterns, textures, symbols and shapes in her masterful conceptualizations."
Jane Marshall | Artist, Writer
ABOUT
There are places that are enchanted, and I have discovered one of them.
Having previously lived in Toronto, Oakville, Hamilton and Ottawa, I have recently moved to Combermere, Ontario. This move marked the culmination of a long-time dream to be closer to the magic of the Canadian north and the beauty of the Madawaska Valley.
My interest in the Madawaska Valley is rooted in my parents' stories of the Ukrainian town from which they emigrated and the local Polish heritage here in Kashubi. These explorations are underpinned by a deep love for the landscapes of The Valley and the people who call it home.
I frequently visit local farms, lakes, and rivers and enjoy conversations with my many new friends who inspire me with their dedication to the land, family and nature.
FORMAL EDUCATION
Ontario College of Art, 1983 - 1986.
University of Toronto, Victoria College, 1969, B.A.
ADDITIONAL STUDIES
Oakville Art Society, painters' workshop
OCAD, various courses and workshops, in Design, Printmaking, 1978, to present.
Studies with Ottawa artist, Joyce Devlin, specialist in portraiture, oil painting, 1975 - 80.
Early studies with J. Symington, artist, (Hamilton Art Gallery Archives) 1960 - 63.
EXHIBITIONS, SOLO, AND GROUP (SINCE 1970)
Madawaska Valley Studio Tour, 2020 & 2021
Sovereign House, Heritage Society, Bronte, Oakville, solo exhibit 2007, 2006
Art Bank, Burlington Art Centre, Ontario, ongoing
Women’s Art Association of Canada, Toronto, Ontario, group show, 2007
Restorante Julia, Oakville Arts Council, Ontario, solo exhibit, 2005
Seasons Restaurant, Oakville, Ontario, solo show, 1996
Mad Dog Art Gallery, Picton, Ontario, solo exhibit, 1993
St. Volodymyr, Cultural Centre, Spadina Avenue, Toronto, solo exhibit 1991
St. Volodymyr, Cultural Centre, Oakville, Ontario, solo exhibit, 1990
Plast Gallery, exhibit with ceramic artist, Ted Diakiw, Edmonton, Alberta, 1990
Quan Schieder Gallery, "Summer Watercolours", with Eric Dymond, John Doyle, Susan
Stewart Wakefield, Quebec, premier solo exhibit, 1989
Gallery Wakefield, Quebec, premier solo exhibit, 1978
Teaching Artists' Exhibit, group show, Ottawa, Ontario, 1976
RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE
Teaching, Art department administrator, secondary schools,
Visual Arts, Peel Board of Education, Mississauga, Ontario, 1983 - 2008
School of the Arts, High School of Commerce, Ottawa Board of Education, 1981 - 1983
The Centre for Creative Studies, Ottawa, 1978
Teaching Life Drawing, Carleton University, School of Architecture, 1976
Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Ottawa Board of Education, 1976 - 1980
Renfrew County Board of Education, 1970 - 74
JURIED EXHIBITS AND AWARDS
Oakville Arts Council and Oakville Arts Society 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004
Honourable Mention, 2005
CSPWC Open Water exhibit, Market Gallery, Toronto, 2007, Woolfitts Award
Oakville Arts Council, Spirit Award, 2005