Winston Leathers

Winston Leathers is a recognized Winnipeg artist, known for his innovation and experimentation in printmaking; however, he was also a poet, a painter and a mentor to those studying art and architecture. Leathers received accreditation in Art Education from the Manitoba Teachers College and majored in Fine Arts at the University of Manitoba. Winston spent 10 years teaching Design at the Winnipeg Technical Vocational High School. In 1968, Leathers became an educator in Environment Studies for the Faculty of Architecture at the University of Manitoba. Leathers taught at the University for 24 years. In the 1960s, Leathers and John Kenneth Esler collaborated on the creation of a collograph printmaking technique, which involves using different epoxies to adhere items (metal, cloth, and chip board) to a printing plate. Leathers commonly referenced body of work is called the Cosmic Variation series. These pieces where made using fluorographic and metallic ink, which are best viewed under black light. The series was exhibited for the first time at the opening of the Winnipeg Art Gallery [1974]. Leathers’ was invited to become a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of the Arts. This is an exceptional honour, as one can only become a member by being nominated and elected by one’s peers. Leathers’ works have been shown at solo exhibitions across the country as well as internally. Leathers passed away July 20, 2004.