Born in 1937 in Thessaloniki, Greece, Leonidas is a self-taught deaf artist,who started painting at the age of 14. Over the years, and working and self-developing completely on his own, he has experimented with themes, materials and artistic movements, though never having formally been introduced to them. His oeuvre comprises landscapes, still life, abstract art and surrealistic works. His inspiration comes from every day objects, views from his balcony, travels, childhood memories, fantasy and imagination, inner turmoil. He says: "I paint to release stress, to externalise my emotions, to communicate thoughts in forms other than verbal, to reach out to people. My disability often stops me being understood by others and often results in people looking down at me. I am more than my disability and my art is one example".