Local Favourites: Leon Pericles

A master printmaker, painter & sculptor, Leon has held more than 150 solo exhibitions and won national & international acclaim over a 50-plus year career. In 2018 he attracted thousands to a retrospective exhibition of more than 500 artworks, a mere fraction of his archive. Now 73, Leon has been creating for 50+ years, bringing joy to collectors worldwide.

Sometimes narrative, often whimsical and frequently absurd, his ruminations on society and our unique landscape engage and challenge the ideas that shape us.

Leon participates in Margaret River Region Open Studios (10-25 September) which brings many thousands of visitors to Margaret River. A fixture since its first year, his artwork & garden remain a star attraction nine years on. Leon gives his time generously ensuring that every patron has a cup of tea and a good chat about art.

Lucky for us, Leon has shared some of his local favourites.

Cosy Corner Beach near Hamelin Bay – a great place after a storm to find little treasures in the flotsam & jetsam.

Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse for the history. It’s also a good place to tell people the story of the SS Pericles wrecked off the coast in 1910.

Boranup Forest is a unique place where you can see quite a distance through the forest – a surreal and impressive emotional experience.

Witchcliffe is full of gems. A place for poking around and seeing the emerging community … It’s the place to be. People are doing some great stuff there.

Miki’s Open Kitchen is way up there … one of the best in the world … I love the ‘trust’ menu with all the tasty combination plates that just keep getting better with every bite.

Yardbyrd is the perfect place for morning tea. So welcoming, and delicious morsels.

The Margaret River Farmer’s Market definitely highlights the strength of the region. So many great producers are represented and the community atmosphere is so joyful.

There are so many great walking trails around – the north side of the Margaret River is a highlight, and the Cape to Cape track (any part of it).

For kids, visiting the Margaret River Organic Garden or jumping off the Rendall Weir on a hot day.

Definitely spring when everything is greening and the flowers are in bloom.

There’s always the classic at Surfer’s Point or the Rivermouth but really any one of the beaches along the coast.

By stopping in to an artist’s studio. To talk to an artist and see their process is always great. Margaret River Region Open Studios is when the most studio doors are open but there are others open all year round and they are always great to visit.

Visiting the second-hand and vintage shops of Witchcliffe – The Flying Wardrobe & The Tiny Store Witchcliffe.