Bec Smith x Leif
Artist Bec Smith and Leif come together to create bespoke artworks that draw on motherhood, love and self-care.
Words: Hande Renshaw | Photography: Jonnie Vigar
Celebrating love and gratitude on Mother’s Day was the inspiration behind the collaboration between Melbourne-Based artist Bec Smith and Leif.
Titled TERRAIN, the series includes three bespoke artworks, which draw on motherhood, generational love and self-care. The original works have also been scaled down to removable art cards which come with the Leif Mother’s Day gift sets, all currently on display at Saint Cloche gallery in Paddington.
‘We were introduced to Bec’s work a few years ago and have always felt there is a connection between our aesthetics. It made sense to collaborate with a female artist to celebrate not only motherhood but also family generations and self-love,’ says Jonnie Vigar, founder and director of Leif.
The idea of the many myths, such as the all-caring mother or the all consuming mother, was a major focus for the artist, ‘There are many archetypes and stereotypes caregivers can aspire to or identify with, so many mirrors of reflection, both helpful and unhelpful, and this small series does not aim to try and identify all the aspects (it would be impossible). The series are a nod to these ideas – strength, individuality, evolving, layers over time, and change,’ says Bec.
The best part of the collaboration? $5 of each gift set sold will be donated to support the essential work of Women’s and Girls Emergency Centre (WAGEC) in Redfern, a charity that helps women escape domestic violence.
The three original artworks will be available to purchase at Saint Cloche until Sunday. 100% of the sales of the artworks will also be donated to WAGEC.
‘We wanted to do something special for Mother’s Day – original art that could be worn on the sleeves of our gift sets felt like a good direction but it has grown to become something far greater,’ says Jonnie Vigar, founder and director of Leif. Photo: Jonnie Vigar
‘The botanical ingredients in Leif remind me of the healing and grounding properties of nature, which are often out of mind or forsaken for other priorities, and much harder to come by in a busy, modern life,’ says Bec .Photo: Jonnie Vigar
“Terrain describes experiences of motherhood and caregiving like a vast expanse of undulating, ever-changing ground; it’s care and responsibility, mixed with guidance, nurture and restraint.”
‘Our design aims to leave a lasting impression so that customers enjoy beautiful formulations wrapped in a unique aesthetic,’ says Jonnie Vigar. Photo: Jonnie Vigar
‘Being a mother is to experience a medley of sensations and feelings that changes like the seasons, its pleasures, joys and satifactions, as well as its obligations and demands drift in and out,’ says Bec Smith. Photo: Jonnie Vigar
VISIT
Bec Smith X LEIF AT SAINT CLOCHE
37 MacDonald Street, Paddington, Sydney
Hours:
Wed to Sat 10am–5pm
Sun 11am–4pm