Leah Wood – Artist & Activist

The British activist and artist Leah Wood, daughter of rock star Ronnie Wood from the Rolling Stones, arrived in Greece for her next project with the cultural movement Le Soleil Foundation. As part of her visit, she participated in a photo shoot at the Acropolis Museum in front of the Caryatids.

Interview by Ada Iliopoulou
Photo: Thomas Daskalakis
White dress Chara Lebessi, green outfit Themis Z

You are an activist and a supporter of women’s rights. How did your interest in this cause begin?

My interest in women’s rights began to take shape about ten years ago. I felt a deep urge to express it through my art, so I started painting as a way to amplify my voice.

You are an artist who speaks from the heart. Have you ever worked specifically for women’s rights, or is your activism broader?

I am an artist, and I absolutely love what I do. While I haven’t formally worked for women’s rights organizations, I am deeply passionate about fighting for causes I believe in. Right now, I’m actively working to end whaling in Iceland alongside some incredible women—forces of nature who inspire me every day. I love surrounding myself with women who have a passion for life and a relentless drive to protect what they believe in.

You were in Greece for a secret event at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Tell us more about how Greece has inspired your work.

Recently, I had the chance to visit both Rhodes and Athens—each breathtaking in its own way. In Athens, I had a photo shoot and explored the Acropolis, immersing myself in the city’s rich history.  The stories behind the sculptures and religious scenes fascinated me. I will always love these stories and take them away with me. In Rhodes, I wandered through the charming streets of Lindos, meeting locals, visiting restaurants, and experiencing the warmth and joy of the people. While there, I created a series of seven butterfly paintings, which I later shipped to Athens for a one-night-only exhibition. The butterfly, a powerful Greek symbol of rebirth and transformation, felt like the perfect representation of my journey. Now, I wait to see what unfolds!

Tell us more about your artwork style.

My artistic style is a fusion of sculpture and painting—it’s almost three-dimensional. When viewed head-on, it appears as a painting, but from the side, the sculptural elements create a relief-like effect. I then coat my work in resin, preserving it for eternity.

What do you believe about the feminism?

In this day and age there is no reason women should not have equal rights, all women have the ability to achieve anything they set their minds to!

What do you believe that a woman needs to feel creative and safe.

I think a woman needs to feel comfortable in her own skin and Happy in her own body.

The most valuable advice that your mother gave you?

The most valuable advice she ever gave me was to embrace laughter and joy—to be kind to people and to see the world through a joyful lens.

A message for every woman?

You are all beautiful souls. Treat yourself with love.

Thank you very much!