About the Artist

James grew up in Williamstown, Melbourne, Australia, a small beachside suburb very much like Redcliffe, where he now lives. He was born on the 20th of September, 1955 as the fifth of six children.When he was 16 months old his father, who was an avid seaman took an epileptic fit while out on his yacht and fell overboard and drowned. He left behind his wife with 5 children, the youngest being 6 weeks old. She later remarried and had child number six. James graduated from Williamstown High school.

James has done art all his life and the mediums he has worked with are oils, water colour, sculptures of many mediums, and acrylics. James will have a go at anything that can put any sort of marking on a piece of paper. He's is the sort of guy who, while everybody is in the water swimming, he will be making some gigantic sand sculpture on the beach.

James is a sign writer by trade and works under the name trade name Pep Signs. His uncle, Jack Congdon was a well regarded sign writer in Melbourne formerly working under the name Pep Signs. He has received an art grant for his present show.

James is married and divorced with 4 beautiful children. The children are half Samoan and half Australian. He is a very dedicated father.

He has his work at Galloways Gallery in Melbourne and is looking to show in more locations, both int the local region and afar. His next showing will be at Galloways in Melbourne.

Art runs in his family as it seems to with many other artists. His sister Anne-Marie Leon, who currently lives in the states, is an established watercolour artist. Her paintings are best described in a ceramic type of style are beautifully composed and designed. A link to her artwork can be found at the Gallery Affilations link below.