The Words He Cannot Say

“I am impressed with Leo’s detailed illustrations that walk me through his experiences. His style is authentic, and his vulnerability and storytelling resonate with me. Leo’s work reminds me of a map of a moment in time – perhaps insignificant to others but defining for Leo. His art gives us a way to see and hear things from his perspective, and it prompts me to reflect on how wsomeone may interpret our personal interactions.”

Julia Franklin, 2018 Iowa Arts Fellow

“CUIFS Through My Eyes speaks to the universal struggle and real moment of trying to find somewhere to sit at lunch. From the earliest moments of kindergarten, markers are a relatable medium in art. I liked the reference to At The Moulin Rouge by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec with the green faces. The textual story accompanying CUIFS Through My Eyes is a perfect combination and has relational aesthetics screaming at me.”

Jonathan Berger, juror of Greater Des Moines Exhibited 2022, during his speech at the opening reception

Relational Aesthetics – how the body language of all the characters in a drawing and the setting of the drawing work together to tell a story

“Helping people visualize themselves within an outside perspective is vital to the human plan and a talent of a great storyteller. Leo is such a storyteller. Within his art is the complicated experience of what it means to be human. Translated through the unease, imperfections, humor, ability to change, and the desire for order, connections, and wisdom, his work walks with you through it all.

Jill Wells