Leila Houston has exhibited their work at various global events such as the Venice Biennials, group shows in Brussels, France and within the London art scene, as well as locally in the East Midlands. Their work speaks volumes about their exploratory and collaborative nature, as they navigate the challenges of being a neurodivergent, transdisciplinary artist. Utilising a variety of materials and techniques, the artist brings their concepts to life through diligent research and creation. The artist's work reflects the intricate complexities of life, with its myriad of sensations and ideas.
Houston's work is a reflection of their deep connection to the world around them, from the social and political landscapes of our time, to the historical events that have shaped our collective consciousness. Informed by a deep concern for the pressing issues of our era, Houston's art is a compelling commentary on the climate emergency, human rights, and the struggles of past and present. Through their practice, the artist creates a powerful synthesis of material, idea, and feeling, each element working in harmony to bring their work to life. The material itself speaks to Houston, inspiring and dictating the form of the piece. The idea behind the work is the driving force, guiding the artist's exploration and experimentation. And the emotional resonance of the work is the heartbeat, the guiding force that leads Houston through the creative process and informs the final outcome. Together, these three elements form an alchemy of creation that is rich with meaning, depth, and emotion, a testament to the artist's skill and sensitivity.
As a neurodivergent artist, the artist has experienced the challenges of living in a world that values certain skills such as literacy and numeracy. Neurodivergent and transdisciplinary she believes go hand in hand because both concepts involve breaking away from traditional or normative ways of thinking and operating. Neurodivergent individuals have cognitive differences that may allow them to approach problems and solutions in unique ways compared to neurotypical individuals. Similarly, transdisciplinary approaches to art or other fields involve integrating knowledge and perspectives from multiple disciplines in a way that may challenge traditional or siloed ways of thinking. This interdisciplinary approach may allow for new and innovative solutions to emerge. In this sense, both neurodivergence and transdisciplinarity involve breaking away from conventional modes of thought and embracing different perspectives to create new and exciting possibilities.
Since 2013, the artist has been honoured with Arts Council England funding on five occasions and won two bids from the Leicester City Council, allowing for a range of inclusive exhibitions, workshops, mentoring programs, and residencies for individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those from marginalised groups and with varying abilities. Their passion for art has led them to share their wealth of knowledge as a freelance art workshop leader with esteemed organisations such as Soft Touch Arts, Hertfordshire Youth Service (2003-2007), North Hertfordshire College (2005-2006), Charnwood Arts, and Attenborough Arts Centre (2013-2020), where they have run workshops and taught art. Their dedication to teaching and mentoring has provided students of all ages and backgrounds with the opportunity to develop their artistic skills and express themselves creatively. Their approach to teaching is focused on empowering individuals and fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment, which has earned them high praise from students and organisations alike. Additionally, the artist has gained valuable experience teaching Art curriculum at Spinney Hill Primary School (2010-2011) for one year and guiding adults and teenagers in advanced drawing and painting techniques at Letchworth Art Centre (2006-2009) for three years.
After achieving a distinction in her MA Fine Art from De Montfort University in 2012, the artist delved deep into their passion for directing and curating group exhibitions and art events. The culmination of this passion manifested in the artist-led Summer Art Trail, a groundbreaking project that sought to bring Leicester's vibrant arts community closer together. With an emphasis on inclusivity, the trail aimed to encourage venues to collaborate and share visitors by providing a map and festival that spanned across the city in (2013-2016). The festival quickly became a major highlight of the City festival and part funded by LCC, attracting over 15,000 visitors each year and running for a full 10 days. The artist meticulously coordinated a diverse range of activities, including open call exhibitions, residency placements, performances, live music, art stalls, family workshops, and artist talks, all of which demanded a keen eye for curation, project management, correspondence with partners, and team management. As an artist who is deeply attuned to the power of creativity and the benefits of exploring new places, they recognised the potential for isolation and sought to bridge the gap with compassion and thoughtfulness. With a vision for a more inclusive and engaging arts community, the festival was artist-led by Silver Vine Arts.
Houston's work is a reflection of their deep connection to the world around them, from the social and political landscapes of our time, to the historical events that have shaped our collective consciousness. Informed by a deep concern for the pressing issues of our era, Houston's art is a compelling commentary on the climate emergency, human rights, and the struggles of past and present. Through their practice, the artist creates a powerful synthesis of material, idea, and feeling, each element working in harmony to bring their work to life. The material itself speaks to Houston, inspiring and dictating the form of the piece. The idea behind the work is the driving force, guiding the artist's exploration and experimentation. And the emotional resonance of the work is the heartbeat, the guiding force that leads Houston through the creative process and informs the final outcome. Together, these three elements form an alchemy of creation that is rich with meaning, depth, and emotion, a testament to the artist's skill and sensitivity.
As a neurodivergent artist, the artist has experienced the challenges of living in a world that values certain skills such as literacy and numeracy. Neurodivergent and transdisciplinary she believes go hand in hand because both concepts involve breaking away from traditional or normative ways of thinking and operating. Neurodivergent individuals have cognitive differences that may allow them to approach problems and solutions in unique ways compared to neurotypical individuals. Similarly, transdisciplinary approaches to art or other fields involve integrating knowledge and perspectives from multiple disciplines in a way that may challenge traditional or siloed ways of thinking. This interdisciplinary approach may allow for new and innovative solutions to emerge. In this sense, both neurodivergence and transdisciplinarity involve breaking away from conventional modes of thought and embracing different perspectives to create new and exciting possibilities.
Since 2013, the artist has been honoured with Arts Council England funding on five occasions and won two bids from the Leicester City Council, allowing for a range of inclusive exhibitions, workshops, mentoring programs, and residencies for individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those from marginalised groups and with varying abilities. Their passion for art has led them to share their wealth of knowledge as a freelance art workshop leader with esteemed organisations such as Soft Touch Arts, Hertfordshire Youth Service (2003-2007), North Hertfordshire College (2005-2006), Charnwood Arts, and Attenborough Arts Centre (2013-2020), where they have run workshops and taught art. Their dedication to teaching and mentoring has provided students of all ages and backgrounds with the opportunity to develop their artistic skills and express themselves creatively. Their approach to teaching is focused on empowering individuals and fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment, which has earned them high praise from students and organisations alike. Additionally, the artist has gained valuable experience teaching Art curriculum at Spinney Hill Primary School (2010-2011) for one year and guiding adults and teenagers in advanced drawing and painting techniques at Letchworth Art Centre (2006-2009) for three years.
After achieving a distinction in her MA Fine Art from De Montfort University in 2012, the artist delved deep into their passion for directing and curating group exhibitions and art events. The culmination of this passion manifested in the artist-led Summer Art Trail, a groundbreaking project that sought to bring Leicester's vibrant arts community closer together. With an emphasis on inclusivity, the trail aimed to encourage venues to collaborate and share visitors by providing a map and festival that spanned across the city in (2013-2016). The festival quickly became a major highlight of the City festival and part funded by LCC, attracting over 15,000 visitors each year and running for a full 10 days. The artist meticulously coordinated a diverse range of activities, including open call exhibitions, residency placements, performances, live music, art stalls, family workshops, and artist talks, all of which demanded a keen eye for curation, project management, correspondence with partners, and team management. As an artist who is deeply attuned to the power of creativity and the benefits of exploring new places, they recognised the potential for isolation and sought to bridge the gap with compassion and thoughtfulness. With a vision for a more inclusive and engaging arts community, the festival was artist-led by Silver Vine Arts.
short bio
Also see Portfolio
GRANTS AND COMMISSIONS
AA2A Artist’s Access to Art Colleges, Loughborough University Residency (2022)
Time for growth, Arts Council England (2020)
Encrypted Sounds of Wellbeing, Arts Council National Lottery Project Grant (2019)
Water Matter and Straightening out the Petals, Arts Council National Lottery Project Grant (2018)
Vulnerability and anxiety in today’s financial climate & A local Voice Arts Council England (2017)
Digital Labs and Genetic Moo, Microworld Interact (2016)
Summer Art Trail, Leicester City Council Grant (2016)
Conversation series and Dialogues, Arts Council England Research & Development Grant (2015)
Summer Art Trail, Leicester City Council Grant (2015)
Artist of the year, AA2A Artist’s Access to Art Colleges, De Montfort University Residency (2013)
Individual Artist Fellowship, Digswell Arts Trust,North Hertfordshire (2004- 08)
Milton Keynes Arts Association, Individual Artist Grant (1998)
2019
Interact’19 Digital Open, LCB Depot, Leicester, UK
Miniscule, Fondamenta Sant’Anna, Venice, 58th Venice Biennale,
ITA Miniscule 2, Cross Lane, Cumbria, UK
2018
Interact’18, LCB Depot, Leicester, UK
Open 29, New Walk Museum & Art Gallery, Leicester, UK
2017
Walker & Bromwich: An act of Participation, Leicester, UK
The Crash, Q Park, London, UK
Fit the Slit, Venice Lido, Venice, Italy
EMPIRE II, (touring exhibition) Venice, 57th Venice Biennale, Italy/ Berlin, Germany/ Brussels, Belgium, Cumbria, London
2014
From the 12th Floor, LCB Depot, Leicester, UK
The Fine Art Society, Curve Theatre, Leicester, UK
OPEN 26, New Walk Museum & Art Gallery, Leicester, UK
The Image is the Servant II, Hansom Hall, Leicester, UK
In Celebration of Chinese New Year, Q Park, London, UK
2013
The Salon, The Salon (EC Arts), Leicester, UK
Beauville Arts, Lot et Garonne, France
2012
Dual, The Cutting Room, Nottingham Playhouse, Nottingham, UK
MA & Other Postgraduates, Atkinson Gallery, Somerset, UK
2005
Works of Art, Sun Street, Hertfordshire, UK
Est.1957, Maynard Gallery, Welwyn Garden City, UK
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