Quirky Fox is proud to present their latest exhibition ‘Time Has Wings’, a brand new solo show in collaboration with conceptual fine art photographer Leigh Schneider. Over the course of six weeks, Quirky Fox and Leigh Schneider invite visitors to look deep within themselves, reminding people how truly fleeting time can be and to re-evaluate what matters most. With 12 artworks, including two brand new pieces set to debut, this is an exhibition most definitely worth some of the fleeting time we have left.
‘Time Has Wings’
Exhibition Dates: 26 February – 8 April 2025
Opening Reception: 26 February from 5pm
Quirky Fox
162 High Street, Hawera, New Zealand 4610
For more information on the exhibition including viewing and purchasing online please visit Quirky Fox’s website or email them at [email protected].
About ‘Time Has Wings’ //
Leigh Schneider returns to Quirky Fox to exhibit her sophomore body of work ‘Time Has Wings’. ‘Time Has Wings,’ (a variation of the saying ‘time flies’), focuses on what is of deep value to us in life. Handmade sculptures and natural materials (most of which were foraged), form the aesthetic foundations of the series. Every element was hand arranged by the artist on set. Each concept was crafted to share a message, took weeks to complete and was created with love for detail. Layered symbolism allows each piece to share it’s story, with many of the artworks containing hidden elements that await discovery.
The ‘wings of time’ are represented in each artwork by some form of moth. Short-lived, they represent reaching fullness of potential and maturity. Additionally, moths orient themselves by the source of light in the darkness, symbolising the pursuit of illumination and good. Presenting topics such as love, identity, legacy and hope, ‘Time Has Wings’ invites us to examine our priorities and refocus on what is paramount—with the time we have.
The works were planned and executed in Leigh’s adopted home country Germany, however the exhibition celebrates not only the series but welcomes Leigh back to New Zealand. Two new works will debut at the opening: ‘Home’ and ‘Pupae’ and Leigh herself will be there during the opening reception on 26 February.
About Leigh Schneider //
Leigh Schneider is a Conceptual Fine Art Photographer. Born in 1986, she grew up between a small town in farmland Waikato, New Zealand and remote desert in the Outback of Queensland, Australia.
Her interest in photography started at the age of sixteen, when she won a regional competition for analogue portraiture. Leigh went on to gain a Bachelor’s in Computer Graphic Design, working in the field for a decade. In 2017, after a house robbery resulted in the loss of all her work, she decided to reinvest the insurance payout into her first full-frame digital camera. From there, she began to self-teach Fine Art Photography and fell in love with the process and possibilities of the digital medium. Leigh worked commercially as a Fine Art Photographer and Art Director before moving into the Fine Art world.
Since making her artist debut in 2022, Leigh’s work has been exhibited, awarded and published internationally. She has been a finalist multiple times in the prestigious Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize and her pieces have been added to collections across Australasia, Europe and the United States.
As an advocate for mental health, Leigh’s work is designed to facilitate important conversations as well as make practical contributions. Her work as an educator and arts facilitator assists others to create from a place of authenticity and purpose. Leigh is based between New Zealand and Germany with her husband.
About Quirky Fox //
When things got a bit messy in 2012, the owner of Quirky Fox, Vicki, decided to take a risk, quit her job and open her own business. Sick of seeing the same thing in every shop, Quirky Fox set out to showcase something a little bit different. Starting with a mixture of independent artists and commercially produced items, Vicki found working with independent artists more meaningful, rewarding and challenging.
With this in mind, Quirky Fox made the transition from design store to gallery. Showcasing both established and emerging talents, Quirky Fox invites both New Zealand and international artists to be part of its carefully curated range; all international artists are exclusive to the gallery within New Zealand, while New Zealand artists are exclusive to the gallery within the Taranaki region.
Quirky Fox aims to provide a home for artists working in new contemporary and representational styles and introduce their works New Zealand and an international audience.
In 2019, Quirky Fox started to offer custom framing to complement the gallery. While taking customer preferences into consideration, the gallery aims to frame in a way that moves away from boring, white, decor-friendly frames towards pieces that enhance the artwork and continue to tell the artist’s story.
In late 2024, Quirky Fox purchased a building which it converted into a custom gallery space. The building was renovated over a two month period, before re-opening in 2025. This space has allowed the gallery to further hone its unique curated style, with a seperate gallery for exhibitions.
Each year the gallery donates to an environmental or mental health charity through its anniversary exhibition. As Quirky Fox continues to evolve and grow, we hope you will join us and our artists on our journey.
Leigh Schneider Social Media Accounts
Website | Instagram | Facebook
