
Leigh Nelson
Artist member since 2019
Toronto, Ontario
B. 1980
My name is Leigh Nelson, and I am a digital artist from Toronto, Canada.
I create digital artwork that begins with my photography—fragments of the world as I see it, shaped by my experiences, dreams, and the music moving through me in the moment. I’m drawn to the angles of buildings, the quiet rhythm of cities, and the unnoticed poetry of tunnels. These spaces often appear in my work as metaphors for movement, introspection, and transformation. I work intuitively layering, distorting, composing until something clicks in my gut and I know it’s complete.
I always include people, usually women, always real. My figures are anonymous but intentional, inviting viewers to bring their own story into the piece. I don’t believe in telling people what to feel. My work isn’t about giving answers—it’s about holding space for ambiguity, emotion, and becoming. I’m fascinated by the way we move through life unseen, our stories unwritten.
My style is layered but restrained. I work with a limited colour palette because I believe in saying more with less. My pieces are portals—for reflection, projection, or even rebirth. Some see tunnels as dream symbols. Others feel them as birth canals. To me, they are thresholds: a space between who we were and who we’re becoming.
I create for those who value self-trust, subtlety, and soul. For those who are done being quiet, but don’t need to be loud, for those who know that freedom, like art, is something sacred.
e. leighnelsonart@gmail.com
Q+A
Everyone should know about
I've been wearing mismatched socks since 1996.
What do you listen to when you work?
Mostly top 40, or any electronic music
Favourite artist(s) right now
Sebastian Merk
I'm really good at making (a) ...
artwork from my solo trips
Favourite medium
Photoshop
How long have you been creating art?
My whole life.
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2011
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2019
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