About the Artist & Horticulturist: Leon

From what I can gather, Leon’s story is one of unbridled hearsay, gossip, second-hand fibs, art world folklore and outright lies. I’ve dug deep and utilized my every asset to cultivate the most accurate and factual profile of this trouble, talented and secretive person. He is an artist, first and foremost. Then, a persistent and begrudging horticulturist. What follows is the sum of the most exhausting investigative effort in my thirty-five years as a journalist, novelist and art broker.

Before taking the underground art scene by storm in the late nineties, Leon attended Laval High School in Laval, Quebec, Canada; according to the ‘93 yearbook, he was voted “Most Likely to Get Shot Behind a Seedy Pub During a Petty Dispute”. To the best of my knowledge those were the kindest words ever put to print in regard to Leon.

Leon played second string goalie for the Chiefs de Laval from 1994 to late 1994. He had a terrible save average and seldom paid attention during the game but took advantage of the meagre travel afforded by playing minor league hockey and sold is paintings in arena parking lots across Quebec, Northern Ontario and the Maritimes. Those humble paintings and drawings vended in the cold found their way into the hands of some of the most influential art mongers in Toronto’s art cult scene. Scott Thompson of Kids in the Hall is said to be one of Leon’s earliest and biggest supporters. That is of course hearsay and cannot be confirmed, but worth mentioning nonetheless.

Leon is a brooding mystery of handsomeness; one of his greatest attributes it turns out. Rumour has it he’s been romantically involved with several A-list Divas: Cher, Barbra Streisand and Ellen DeGeneres to mention a few. It should be noted that Leon himself started those rumours.

Through the years Leon became a man of impeccable taste, an unrivalled connoisseur of fine food, wine, fashion and cockfight wagering. In fact, he is so discriminating it is said that he doesn’t even approve of himself. Luckily, he applies this unyielding standards to his artwork and his growing operation.

It was when he visited his Mère after many years of travelling the world that his disgust for the food industry was imminent. A serving of Velveeta, Spam and a Chai Tea latte sent him in a ravenous fury, his rage fueling his desire to grow and cultivate divine vegetables, herbs, and sprouts. Leon the horticulturist was born.

This is all I have found out about Leon; and I can honestly say I think that is for the best. Further exploration into the mechanics and psyche of a derelict such as Leon would surely only lead to more disappointment. That being said, I have no reservations putting my professional and personal credibility on the line when I say: Leon’s creations, whether art or food, is worth every penny.

Nigel Smythe, Author of “Art and the Art of Becoming an Art Snob”, copyright 1976