Patrick Leach, St’át’imc Nation. Patrick Leach has combined two major loves in his life – photography and pottery – to bring to his clients beautifully artistic and earthy works for art.
Patrick is from the Coast Salish community, Snuneymuxw First Nation (Nanaimo, BC) and raised in the community of T’it’q’et, (near Lillooet, BC), St’at’imc Nation Territory, as a member of the P’egpig’7lha (Frog) Clan. Patrick’s first hands-on experience with photography in high school led him to pursue what has become one of two major parts to his career path.
Patrick received his photography certificate from North Island College in Courtney, BC. During his time there, Patrick learned the theory and practice of capturing critical elements of light, timing, weather, emotion and people in his photographs. His photography was later featured in magazines such as Red Skin and Say. He has also had the honour of photographing local recording artist and brother George Leach for the back cover of his first CD.
In 2008, Patrick opened P’egpig’7lha Studio & Gallery. Patrick began to work under the mentorship of Matthew Jacob, a well- known BC-based Aboriginal photographer. Taking all that he learned, he moved forward taking photos for various gatherings, weddings and industrial site projects such as shots taken for the worldwide pipe joining company, Victaulic. He was also brought on as lead photographer for one of the most significant sequences of meetings for the St’at’imc Nation Territories in the signing of the BC Hydro agreement.
During this time, he was introduced to his other artistic love: pottery. In 2008 Patrick mentored under the close eye of Erdman Tuemp, a local pottery master in Lillooet. He was soon joined by his brother George, who, during his down time from touring, had been mentoring under renowned Six Nations artist Steve Smith. Together the three learned how to combine the processes and styles of both Erdman and Steve resulting in the foundation for the pottery that Patrick creates today. Drawing from his creative mind and steady hand, he places the final touches on his hand-crafted pottery by carefully carving landscapes, pictographs and basket weaving designs. Each piece is a one-of-a kind creation. His pottery has been chosen as ceremonial gifts for major corporate and territorial agreements. Patrick’s pottery can now be found in select retail locations including: Museum of Anthropology, Bill Reid Gallery, Vancouver Art Gallery, and Coastal Peoples Fine Arts Gallery.
Patrick currently lives in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia.