I’m an Australian artist, illustrator and designer based in Melbourne.

My work centres on the familiar: food, domestic objects, shared tables and the visual language of everyday life. I’m interested in the way ordinary things can carry memory, humour and a sense of place, and how food in particular can reveal something about culture, identity and the way we connect with one another.

Working primarily in paint, my practice is characterised by bold colour, simplified forms and an intuitive, slightly naïve approach to still life. There is a graphic quality to the work, informed by my background in design, but I’m equally drawn to imperfection, spontaneity and the character of the handmade.

Before returning to a more focused art practice, I worked across graphic design, art direction and brand identity for fashion and lifestyle clients. That experience continues to shape the way I approach composition, colour and visual storytelling.

My business: Food For Everyone - Culinary Poster Shop

In 2020, I founded Food For Everyone, a creative project bringing together food, art and community. Through collaborations with chefs, cooks and artists, meaningful recipes are translated into collectible artworks, with each recipe poster contributing to food relief through SecondBite. What began as a small fundraising idea has since developed into an ongoing exploration of food as a cultural and creative language.

My work from Food For Everyone is stored at the Powerhouse Museum in the National Culinary Archive.

www.foodforeveryone.com.au

Commissions & Collaborations

I work with individuals, brands and businesses on commissions, collaborations and special projects. This can take many forms, from original paintings and private commissions to editorial illustration, brand artwork, hospitality projects, campaign creative and bespoke pieces made for a particular space or idea. I’m especially interested in working with people and businesses who share a similar appreciation for food, design, culture, community and thoughtful storytelling.

My background in art direction and design means I’m comfortable working closely with creative teams, interpreting a brief and developing work that feels both distinctive and considered, while still retaining the character of my own practice.

If you have a project in mind, I’d love to hear about it.

Selected Clients & Collaborators
Powerhouse Museum
Australia Post
Squarespace
Tait
Market Lane Coffee
Flamingo Estate
Arts Project Australia
Prahran Market
Blackhearts & Sparrows
Bennelong
Brae
Zoncello

Selected Creative Collaborators
Ken Done
Josh Niland
Peter Gilmore
Dan Hunter
Maggie Beer
Rick Stein
Tom Sarafian
Queens Harvest
Alison Roman
Annie Smithers
Julia Busuttil Nishimura
Ben Shewry

Giving Back

When I founded Food For Everyone in 2020, I wanted the project to do more than make beautiful things. I wanted it to have a practical impact, and to connect the generosity of food and creativity with people who need support.

Over the past six years, Food For Everyone has supported food-relief organisations across Australia, with SecondBite becoming our key charity partner. Through the sale of recipe posters and special fundraising projects, our contributions have now helped provide the equivalent of more than one million meals to people experiencing food insecurity.

For me, this work sits naturally alongside being an artist. Art can bring people together, tell stories and create connection, and I believe it can also be a practical tool for generosity.

I don’t see this work as separate from my creative practice. It shapes the projects I take on, the people I choose to work with and the kind of work I want to put into the world.

Contact -
gemleslie@gmail.com
Please no spam <3

Links:
Food For Everyone
Shop Originals
Instagram