Sharing a studio with fellow artists Rita Angus, Colin McCahon and Toss Woollaston from 1938, Leo was a key figure in New Zealand’s art history. He predominantly worked in Christchurch, where his typography and design skills were recognised. He worked as an illustrator and used a variety of techniques such as pen and pencil drawings, wood engravings and calligraphy. He was influenced by ukiyo-e Japanese woodcuts, which made their way into Christchurch late in the 1930’s.
