Leslie, who creates and sells art under the pseudonym van den hooven, has a research science educational background, having completed a Materials Science degree in 1999 followed by a PhD in 2005, both at the University of Technology, Sydney.

From 2005 until 2014, Leslie lived in the Canary Islands while pursuing one of his other main passions (cycling), founding a successful bicycle rental business there that catered to elite cyclists looking to escape Europe’s harsh winters and train on the slopes of Mt Teide.

Upon returning to Australia, van den hooven’s own journey into art was reignited after completing two separate diplomas in graphic design (at Martin College Sydney, 2016) and illustration (with the Interactive Design Institute at the University of Hertfordshire, 2018).

While not having completed a formal art education, van den hooven’s instantly recognisable cubist art style is heavily influenced from his graphic design and illustration foundations.

Looking forward, van den hooven is holding his inaugral, solo art exhibition at the Clyde Gallery, Bay Pavilions Art+Aquatic centre, Batemans Bay, in August 2025.