Cartoonist to speak at Wagstaffe

Artist and cartoonist Mr Bill Leak of Killcare will give an illustrated talk about his life and times spent drawing daily cartoons and painting Australian politicians and identities at Wagstaffe Hall next month.

"A familiar sight walking the streets of Killcare with his beloved dog Gus, Bill is an accomplished and entertaining speaker," Bouddi Society member Mr David Dufty said.

"He describes himself as 'a bad musician, a passable painter and a good cartoonist' and is the daily editorial cartoonist on The Australian newspaper.

"He has won the Walkley Awards nine times and has entered the Archibald Prize at least 13 times being described as 'the best painter never to have won the Archibald prize'.

"These included portraits of Donald Bradman in 1989, Malcolm Turnbull in 1994, Graham Richardson in 1995, Tex Perkins in 1997, Gough Whitlam in 1998, Sir Les Patterson in 2000 and Robert Hughes in 2001.

"Bill has published two books of cartoons Drawing Blood, Moments of Truth and one novel Heart Cancer.

"Unpulped copies of the latter he describes as 'increasing in rarity and decreasing in value'.

"His TV series Face Painting, in which he paints portraits of people who have died, went to air on the ABC in November, 2008.

"Portraits painted for this show include Australian actor June Salter, musician Bon Scott and Aboriginal activist Charles Perkins."

Mr Dufty said the community was fortunate to have Mr Leak as a local resident and talk would be a great opportunity to "meet and hear him talk".

"Bill works on his cartoons on Sunday so this normal Sunday afternoon by the Bay event will be held on Saturday, March 13, at 2pm in Wagstaffe Hall," Mr Dufty said.

"Entry is $15 for the general public, including drinks, nibbles and good conversation.

"Bouddi Society members pay $12 with proceeds going to support local community activities."

Press release, 18 Feb 2010 David Dufty, Bouddi Society