A Frome artist, who counts actress Sharon Stone as one of her fans, is following a sell-out art fair in Los Angeles with a show at a local gallery.
Genevieve Leavold who grew up in Frome in the 1980s returned to live in the town last May after moving away 23 years ago.
Despite training as a theatre designer, Gen has pursued her passion for painting and has since become a highly successful artist. She has just come back from a rewarding visit to Los Angeles, having sold 10 pieces at an art fair.
“I have had a lot of success in America,” says Gen. “It started in lockdown, but I have since visited a number of times; American audiences seem to love my work.”
And one American citizen has taken a particular interest in her art – Star of ‘Casino’ Sharon Stone.
Gen adds: “Some of my success is down to the effort I have put in to establishing a social media following – particularly Instagram.”
Last year, Ms. Stone registered as one of her followers, and Gen and Sharon have since exchanged messages. Ms. Stone is also a keen painter and had work on display at the same time in LA.
“I checked if she was coming but unfortunately, she was busy in New York. But she asked to be invited to my next LA show.”
In what promises to be a busy month for Gen, she will shortly be travelling to Chicago to sell her paintings at another art fair. From there she will take a road trip to Washington DC, where one of her pieces of work is on view in a high-class restaurant, often frequented by the Obama family.
“It’s all very exciting,” says Gen. “The restaurant L’Ardent was featured in the Washington Post, and included a photograph of my painting. I’m looking forward to seeing how it looks in real life.”
But this month is not just about the USA. Gen has a month-long residency at The Gallery at the Station. The exhibition, entitled ’Ephemera’ features 14 paintings and 8 drawings.
Echoes of plant forms, shells and deep-sea creatures can be seen within the paintings giving them a sense of something fleeting and fragile.
“It’s great to have a show in Frome,” says Gen. “The theme is about ‘change’, ‘belonging’ and ‘coming home’. The town has changed but there are still these wonderful connections for me.”
Ephemera will run until April 29, and The Gallery at the Station is open most days. Come and meet Gen in person between 6 and 9pm on Friday April 21.
Pictured of paintings by Philip Millard
