She’s the artist and conservationist born into rock royalty, with her most recent exhibition, Tracing Talk, contrasting life in the city with to life in the countryside with fellow artist, Jemma Powell. Here, Leah talks work, inspiration and life on the road. www.instagram.com/leahwoodartwork
Can you tell us more about Tracing Time, your latest exhibit that was recently exhibited?
“It was a deeply personal exhibition for me which evolved from conversations with Jemma around shared themes. Together we presented the contrast between life in the city and the countryside and we both expressed this through our painting. I suppose, the show was really about what thoughts you take away with you. Think a show of nature and cityscapes: a conversation between two completely different landscapes and how two very different artists perceive their chosen subjects.”
Jemma is equally well known for her acting roles in films such as Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland. How did you come together as artists?
“It was through a very dear friend of mine, Amanda Harrington — the best in the beauty world, if you don’t know her. She introduced us and we instantly clicked over our shared love of art. The rest, as they say, is history.”
Some of your work has an interesting 3D effect. Can you talk us through your creative process?
“I love the fact that art allows you to create in a way that is completely up to you, so I work with large canvasses, glue, cling film, and paint. Things can get a bit messy, but that is part of the process.”
Your work is inspired by the natural world and the plight of endangered species. Has conservation always been close to your heart?
“It should be close to everyone’s heart. It’s so important today, and especially for our children. The fact that some of our wildlife are poached to the brink of extinction, such as rhinos, elephants, leopards, and whales, should bother everyone. There are many, many species that need our help.”
Yourself and Jemma will both be donating proceeds from your work to TimeGivers, a London-based charity and volunteering platform for children and young adults. Can you tell us about your link with the charity?
“When my friend, Kate Deighton, introduced me to TimeGivers, I thought it was such a forward-thinking charity. Kate is the driving force behind giving amazing children and young adults the opportunity to have wonderful experiences and feel a sense of community. Along with the exhibition, Jemma and I will also be creating a permanent mural on a cafe in Feltham, West London, working alongside TimeGivers volunteers and students, which is thrilling. I will definitely do my bit again in the near future.”
As the daughter of Rolling Stones’ Ronnie Wood, music and art must be in your blood. How did touring with your father as a child influence the woman you have become?
“I suppose touring nurtured a sociable aspect in me. Getting on with people and being on the road — with what is basically an extended family — was a wonderful and inspiring place to be. I was around creativity, influential people and musicians from the start, and I am very grateful for having that time growing up, surrounded by such talent.”
Your dad is a very collectable artist too. Does he have an impact on the way you paint?
“My father is a wonderful painter, and I think he greatly influenced me on how I create, and enabled me to grow into the artist I am today. Having watched him as a child, then as a teenager and now as a mother of two, I am still mesmerised at seeing him paint.”
We’d imagine the parties were impressive in your house. Which one do you remember most?
“It often surprises people, but the parties we had growing up were actually pretty normal. We would invite our friends over, play musical chairs and pass the parcel; all the usual kids’ games. As a family we love birthdays and always celebrate. These special memories have led me to enjoy my children’s birthdays even more.”
You’ve also collaborated with Skydiamond, designing a ring sold in aid of Neptune’s Pirates. What does jewellery mean to you?
“Fine jewellery has always been important, and I have loved it ever since I was a child. My mother, Jo, was always glamorous and would wear beautiful rings and necklaces. I loved to put them on, play dress up, and think that one day they would be mine. Jewellery has always fascinated me. As for Neptune’s Pirates, this was another charity that really hit home. They are fighting for marine life such as dolphins and whales, which are still being brutally murdered to this day. Neptune’s Pirates go out into the ocean and are stopping anyone from doing anything they shouldn’t. Go and check them out, they’re brilliant.”
What’s next?
“I will hopefully be doing a solo art exhibition and excitingly, there will be even more jewellery. I will be releasing a collaboration with my friend and fine jeweller, India Mahon, which will all be sustainably and ethically-sourced. Watch out for this early next year in 2026. I cannot wait.”
