A TALENTED artist has channelled his grief through art with a profound new exhibition following the tragic death of his father.

Ulverston artist Tim Leeson has launched a new exhibition which focus on the subject of life and death.

Mr Leeson, who founded the South Lakes Art Collective, said his latest body of work showcases a ‘rocky part’ of his life.

Mr Leeson was not able to say a proper goodbye to his father Harvey Leeson, who died during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Unable to visit him in hospital or attend the funeral, Mr Leeson said art was an ‘invaluable tool’ in coping with his grief.

He said: “Art as therapy is something always done. It was a saving grace during lockdown

“Art was my invaluable tool for getting through the pandemic and death of my father.

“Mr father died during the Covid pandemic although he didn't have Covid. I was not allowed to travel to see him or able to go into hospital and unfortunately I was not allowed to travel to the funeral in Crawley.

“My dad had instilled in me from a very early age a passion for art. He took me to lots of exhibitions and taught me the basics as well as getting me interested in Art History.

“Not being able to say goodbye to my dad torments me and it always will do but art does make things a little bit easier.

“Life is very difficult without him but his last words to me before he died was ‘keep going Tim’.”

Mr Leeson was encouraged to exhibit his artwork – known as the ‘Portal paintings’ – in Ulverston.

He said: “The Portal paintings deal with the subject of life and death. They emphasise my faith systems and can also be seen as rites of passage in their meaning.

“They deal with feelings of isolation and desperation but there are some joyous ones too.

“The works are oil paint on board and the process of painting is varied, using brushes, rollers and my fingers. Using my fingers gave the personal touch and changed the context in some of the works into non descriptive self-portraits.

“My abstract art allows me to convey my feelings in a non-literal way.

“I would like to stress the importance of using creative techniques to deal with issues people may have. I have spent periods in mental health wards where I have always been encouraged to get stuff down on paper.”

The Portals exhibition is currently available to see at Ulverston Arthouse in Cavendish Street until January 6.

The venue is open from 10.30am until 5pm from Monday to Saturday and entry is free.