As a child, particularly as an enthusiastic teenager my dream was to be an artist. It was so simple. Make art, show people and change the world. I spent countless hours drawing. At one point it was to be a cartoonist, and I even studied at an animation studio for a couple of weeks whilst still at school.  This dream led me to art school, and simultaneously I became an outdoor educator. The two clashed.  Education won. The art world didn’t seem to work on merit, instead it worked on mysterious connections that needed to be fostered. Environmentalism was still in its infancy. I became more engrossed in education as it seemed like a more beneficial way of reaching people.  The thousands of people I have connected with and taught, either directly or indirectly through my staff is indeed impressive.  The message has always been the same.  Communicate, work with others, care for people and build community.  Look after the environment, for we are a part of nature, not separate from it, for it is our future and our nourishment.

Slowly throughout my life this dream of being an artist returned.  In 2000 I opened the Leonard Metcalf Gallery in Katoomba.  It was there that teaching photography returned as a possibility, and slowly I learnt that by combining my talents for teaching, educational design, outdoor guiding, art teaching, creativity mentoring and photography made sense.

Len’s School was born out of the ashes of that gallery.  Metaphorically of course. 

Through Len’s School I find myself still working on the same message.  Build community, nurture others, look after the environment.

After fifteen years of running Len’s School, it is time to bloom and blossom and reinvigorate the dream of being an artist.  Whilst not letting go of the magic of teaching creativity.

Over the years an incredible team has developed to support this dream.  Clair Reynolds many of you know, who most notably produces and designs Len’s Journal and all my publications, is the backbone of the business.  Her work is amazing and beautiful. So so gorgeous. And most importantly she makes my work look brilliant.  She's hard at work today working on more publications for you.  Next week we will be posting the latest Len’s Journal to you. It is gorgeous and a bit late,  but it is coming nonetheless.  Ben Coope has been incredible in making videos and is working on more to share with you too.  So many, particularly in this day and age, prefer to watch rather than read.

It is time to introduce you to Natasha Cuevas, also known as Momo’s mum, or Tash.  She comes on board as the creative director, and has been cracking the whip on recent changes to my branding, presence and future directions.  Tash has so much experience, but most importantly she has the confidence to position me in the art market in a more appropriate place than I have had the confidence to do in the past.

Tash will be taking over our newsletter, our socials, and our presence.  We have so much to share with you, including new brands.  Tash has the incredible ability to curate,  to present and tell my story. That is a gift in itself.

It’s time for change. Not just me, my art, and my teaching, but also for Australia and the world.  We seem to be at a crucial crossroads in the world. But I will leave politics out for the moment.

I am so looking forward to the future.  Am so thankful and feel so blessed to welcome Tash onboard.

You can look forward to an incredible visual story that will unfold.

Sending love to you all… 

Len xxx