Bob Leatherbarrow
Born in Montreal, Bob Leatherbarrow now resides on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia. The combination of an interest in the outdoors and science led Bob to study undergraduate geology at Queen's University and graduate studies at Carleton University in Ontario. Little did he realize that this would become part of the cornerstone of his career in glass art. Following graduation Bob followed the boom to Calgary in 1979 to join the hunt for oil. He worked his entire career as an exploration geologist for Chevron.
Looking for new challenges, he bought a kiln in 1988 and began a series of experiments. Drawing from his understanding of science, experimental approach, and willingness to take risk, Bob has developed a solid understanding of how glass behaves when heated in a kiln. With the use of glass powders and a number of techniques, he has created a signature style that explores the beauty of natural textures. Bob's artwork is represented in galleries throughout western Canada. He is a respected and popular instructor who teaches in studios worldwide.
West End Gallery respectfully acknowledges that our gallery is situated on Treaty 6 territory, a traditional gathering place for diverse Indigenous peoples, including the Cree, Blackfoot, Metis, Nakota Sioux, Iroquois, Dene, Ojibway/Saulteaux/Anishinaabe, and Inuit.