Brush strokes of healing in life's struggles

As a teenager, Leslie Lee struggled with alcohol abuse and did time in prison for stealing and assault.

He said by the time he was released he’d learnt his lesson.

“It opened my eyes up madly and I became a purveyor of truth,” he said.

At the age of 21, he turned to art and began a journey of self-discovery that continues today.

“One thing I discovered about art, I wouldn’t have tackled issues in myself without it. It challenged my integrity. By painting I discovered massive depression and anger but sitting in front of the paintings made me deal with my issues.”

Mr Lee, who describes his work as “maybe realism and maybe abstract”, will begin a pilot project today, kickstarted by the City of Greater Geraldton to help raise morale among Spalding residents.

The artist, who identifies with the Malgana people of Shark Bay, will head up a 10-week Art Group Crew for 15-25-year-olds which he said will be a start in helping to engage a particular age group in Spalding.

“The people who should come are those who are interested in pursuing their own integrity,” Mr Lee said.

“In the old days young fellas were taken under the wing and helped by others but now they don’t have that. It’s important for everyone to find their higher purpose.”

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Ian Carpenter said the Our Home Our Streets project, which includes Mr Lee’s art sessions, were planned after consultation with the community revealed Spalding residents were keen to deal with pressing social issues in the suburb.

Other activities in the multi-agency 10-week project, which starts next week, are hip-hop song writing sessions for high school children and a weekly social group for people 50 years and over.

It is hoped the program will help Spalding residents get to know others in their suburb and encourage them to initiate other opportunities for neighbourhood engagement in the future.

Spaces are limited for the free sessions which are aimed at Spalding residents.

Those who would like to participate are asked to register at www.cgg.wa.gov.au and search Our Home Our Streets or phone the City on 9956 6600.