Point Cook’s Leesa Gray-Pitt is an artist, is studying a masters of fine arts and is a board member of the RedWest Creatives Co-Op, which aims to share knowledge, auspice grants and grow the arts scene in the west. She chats with Alesha Capone.
How long have you lived in Wyndham?
I lived in Tarneit for a while, then Williamstown for a bit and then I came to Point Cook, over 12 years ago.
Why did you pick Point Cook?
My second husband and I just missed out on buying a house in Williamstown, and we started thinking, ‘Let’s build’. Between us we had seven children and then I became pregnant. We thought that we would like to be on the water, we came out to the area – I think it was called Point Cook Waterside then – to look at buying some land. It was very much like Williamstown then, you could walk around the wetlands and everyone would say hello.
What do you like about Point Cook?
I love how close it is to the coast, I love the Great Ocean Road and Torquay. It’s still on the water, to an extent. I have to be close to the beach, that is my grounding spot. The facilities and schools are great, it’s a pity they didn’t keep up with how much the suburb was booming then. At least now we have four entries and exits out of the area, it was hell for a while there. I do love Wyndham council, too. I think we have a very vibrant arts community in Wyndham, and with RedWest. I think Wyndham council realises how valuable arts are in the community.
What do you enjoy most about being an artist?
It’s just something I have to do. I am always surprised by how much people love my art. I was lucky enough to sell two paintings in two weeks, at the start of the year. It always astounds me that people are willing to put their hard-earned cash into the things I create. I do put my heart and soul into my life, my art is like a visual diary of my life.
How has the coronavirus affected the creative industry?
Many events have been cancelled and so many people have had their incomes stripped, everything gone. I was supposed to have my first solo exhibition in May, I don’t think that’s going to go ahead. I just want everyone to look after each other, we are all in this together and we can share the love.
