Although the majority of Leslie’s career has been spent outside the borders of Canada, her travels and artistic journey have come full circle, bringing her back home. Born in St. Catharine’s, Ontario, her artistry blossomed at a young age while growing up in Calgary, Alberta. It was there she acquired her Diploma of Fine Arts in 1990 from the Alberta College of Art and Design, graduating at the top of her class. After receiving a Travel Study Grant from the Alberta Foundation of the Arts, Leslie moved to Central Mexico to study at the Insituto Allende, where she received her MFA in 1992. Upon her graduation, Leslie joined the faculty of the school, teaching for one year.

In 1994 she started her own business and art school, Clayole Studios, teaching students from around the world the Raku process, guiding them in their own artistic journey. Her own artistic exploration during her 12 year career in the small town of San Miguel de Allende lent her art an abundance of influences, which are reflected in her work today. She carried this influence and wealth of knowledge to Oklahoma City where she relocated to in 2002.

In continuation of her teaching background she acquired a teaching position at the Firehouse Arts Centre in Norman, Oklahoma. Upon receiving representation at the JRB Gallery at the Elms, her reputation as an accomplished artist earned her acknowledgement from the Oklahoma City Arts Council with participation in a select group exhibition and commission work. In 2004 Leslie returned home to Canada, relocating to an artistic community near Nelson, British Columbia. Upon arrival, her work was immediately accepted and represented by numerous galleries throughout Canada from Stratford, Ontario to Granville Island, Vancouver, BC. Today Canada, Tomorrow the World...