About

Hi, I’m Leia Shijie Guo (she/her)

I am a professional photographer and glassmaker located in Moh’kinsstis (also known as Calgary, AB).

As a photographer, I specialize in editorial work and branding sessions for small businesses, organizations, and creatives. As an interdisciplinary glass artist, my signature work combines the optical beauty of handblown glass with the magic of silver gelatin film photography. Whether I’m in on location at a shoot, in the darkroom, or in the hotshop, storytelling and community are at the heart of everything I do.

I graduated with honours at the Alberta University of the Arts in 2022 with a BFA in Glass, and will be continuing my studies there as a BDes in Photography through 2023. Some of my clients include the AUArts Students’ Association Show+Sale, the Calgary Horticultural Society, and CASSA Musical Arts. I have also displayed at both regional and international exhibitions with my fine artwork.

When I am not in my studio, I lead the Show+Sale program at the AUArts SA. On my off days, you can find me snuggling my cats Keith Urban and Geegee or cruising down Highway 22 with the windows down.

Photo Credit: Elisha Lozares

Selected Exhibitions
Clients
Curriculum Vitae

“Artwork/Network” CARFAC Alberta – 2022 Edmonton, AB
“International Student Exhibition” Glass Art Society – 2022 Tacoma, WA
“Emerging Photographer’s Showcase” Exposure Photography Festival – 2022 Calgary, AB
“Coming Up Next Exhibition” Alberta Craft Council – Fall 2021 in Edmonton, Spring 2022 in Calgary
“Somewhere in Nowhere” solo exhibition Marion Nicoll Gallery- 2021 virtual
“Emerging Artists Unleashed” Alberta Society of Artists – 2021 virtual

Mountain Grass Gallery and Bistro
The Chef’s Table
CASSA Musical Arts
Calgary Horticultural Society
Alberta Craft Council
Alberta University of the Arts Student’s Association

Coming soon!

Glass + Photo

Creating Vitreoscapes

For me, the beauty of both glassmaking and photography comes from their ability to sculpt light and optics to create a sense of place and time. My fine art practice is centered on using the handblown glass I make in the hotshop to create sublime “vitreoscapes” in the darkroom with the silver gelatin and cyanotype processes. The vitreoscapes I create as an interdisciplinary artist are a love letter to Southern Alberta, the place I call home. Learn about my vitreoscapes below!

Learn More

Community + Advocacy

As a first generation immigrant and a WoC making work within the landscape genre in Canada, I am unapologetic in my desire to subvert the idea that my artwork must be tied to my racial/cultural identity. I choose to celebrate and advocate for myself through supporting the community around me; by being a photographer who helps others shine in the spotlight. Many of my community projects are focused on supporting other emerging artists, small businesses, and non-profits that make a difference in Calgary. If you would like to collaborate on a community-centered project, please reach out to me! I’d love to hear from you.

Let's collaborate!

Land Acknowledgement

As a creator, I humbled to create my work as a guest in what is now known as “Canada”. My home studio is based in Moh’kinsstis (otherwise known as Calgary) and the traditional Treaty 7 territory of the Blackfoot confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani as well as the Stoney Nakoda: Bearspaw, Chiniki and Wesley and Tsuut’ina nations. I also wish to acknowledge the members of the Inuit and Métis communities – specifically, the Métis Nation Region Three, and their impact on the creative community of where I call home. Finally, in the spirit of reconciliation, I acknowledge all people who make their home here are Treaty 7 people.