Jim Leedy~

An artist in many fashions who pioneered postwar American art. He was the first to bring the gospel of abstract expressionism to American Ceramics as well as many other media. He consistently crosses the boundaries of materials, genres, subject matter, and themes. Considered to be the founder of the Kansas City Crossroads Art District.
My family traveled half-way across the country to hang out with Jim and to enjoy visiting with him, his wife Molly, and his Chinese friend Swallow. Each day seemed to fly by and it especially seemed to increase in speed when we visited his studio. I just started taking pictures because the entire building was filled completely with art.

The Earth Lies Screaming~

A piece that Jim is well known for, and has been the centerpiece at National Veterans Art Museum in Chicago, IL. It stands at an extraordinary size of 50' long x 10' tall and was completed in 2000.
My great uncle is a loving man who is full of so many great stories...and I'm sure that what I heard was just a drop in the bucket. My favorite story was centered around a 12 string guitar that David Crosby owned. It starts when a buddy, that shared a studio with Jim; met up with Crosby at a dealers' house. They got to be good buddies and right before David Crosby went to jail for his infamous drug/gun charges; he showed up and since he owed money he offered his 12 string guitar instead. Jim then ended up with the guitar because his buddy owed him money, and in the same manner passed on the guitar.

Not Just An Artist But A Lover Of Art~

Jim is also a collector of art pieces and most of these are museum quality!

Some Of My Favorites~

Pictures Of Jim

More From The Studio~