Leon Kortemkamp's work often features a resolute consideration of constrained emotion lurking in the mundane, reflecting his conviction that ordinary objects and everyday events are deeply charged with spiritual reality. He is a San Francisco Bay Area writer and artist who lives with his wife, Ginny, in Belmont, California.
Leon Kortemkamp's work often features a resolute consideration of constrained emotion lurking in the mundane, reflecting his conviction that ordinary objects and everyday events are deeply charged with spiritual reality. He is a San Francisco Bay Area writer and artist who lives with his wife, Ginny, in Belmont, California.
He was drafted during the Vietnam War following his graduation from Loras College, and he served two years of active duty with the US Navy in the Public Information Office aboard the flagship, USS Saint Paul. Following his military service, he was granted a full scholarship to the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, where he earned a Master of Fine Arts degree.
He was drafted during the Vietnam War following his graduation from Loras College, and he served two years of active duty with the US Navy in the Public Information Office aboard the flagship, USS Saint Paul. Following his military service, he was granted a full scholarship to the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, where he earned a Master of Fine Arts degree.
He grew up in rural Iowa, and memories of those formative years are often reflected in his work. It is from this perspective that he examines the vicissitudes of contemporary urban life. Recent writing includes short fiction illustrated with brushed-plate monotypes or photographs. His work has been published, exhibited and collected throughout the United States and around the world.
He grew up in rural Iowa, and memories of those formative years are often reflected in his work. It is from this perspective that he examines the vicissitudes of contemporary urban life. Recent writing includes short fiction illustrated with brushed-plate monotypes or photographs. His work has been published, exhibited and collected throughout the United States and around the world.
He is a professor emeritus at Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont, California, deacon in the Archdiocese of San Francisco, an environmental activist, an advocate for honesty and justice in politics, and a lifelong supporter of the humanitarian aid work of Doctors Without Borders and Catholic Relief Services around the world. He keeps a studio and office in Belmont, California and can be reached by email at leonpk@comcast.net .