“From Switzerland and living internationally, the Leu family are artists and musicians”

The artistic tradition in the Leu family originates with Eva Aeppli, a Swiss artist sculptor, her second husband was Jean Tinguely, together they were part of the avant-garde art movement in the 50’s and 60’s in Paris where they lived in the quartier Impasse Ronsin, they were friends with other artists Daniel Spoerri, Yves Klein and Niki de Saint-Phalle.

Felix Leu was born in Basel in 1945, the son of Eva Aeppli with Hans Leu an architect, her first husband. Eva’s daughter with Jean Tinguely is Miriam Tinguely, an artist in her own right, she resides in Switzerland. Her more recent works are a combination of drawing, watercolor, engraving, and collage.

In 1965 Jean Tinguely had a tour of exhibitions on the east coast of America, Felix Leu was his technical assistant and at a show in New York Felix met Loretta Buscaglia. As a couple they went on to travel the world and raise a family of four children; Filip, Ama, Aia and Ajja. Felix also has an eldest daughter Jane Leu-Rekas, from a previous relationship with Andrea Campbell.

Jane Leu Rekas is married to chef Greg Rekas, she lives in Portland, Oregon. She works as a Transpersonal Therapist, and Certified Hypnotist, in private practice. Jane has a B.A. ’87 in psychology from Reed College, and a Master’s in Social Work ’92 from Portland State University. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 1997 Jane has 25 years experience as a mental health specialist.

Felix and Loretta had taken up tattooing during their travels in the late 1970’s, their son Filip Leu learned the technique and with them started the Leu Family’s Family Iron Tattoo Studio in Lausanne, Switzerland in 1982. Ama Leu is the eldest daughter of Felix and Loretta Leu, she grew up in the bohemian family environment and went on to become a fashion model for 20 years. Her clothing line blends her experience of tattoo and fashion.

Eva’s grand-daughter Aia Leu is an artist, she has exhibited her work for over 20 years with solo and group shows. She was born in Formentera and now lives in Ireland, her paintings are particularly influenced by both her years spent as a child in India, and the richness of the Irish landscape. She is known as the artist who painted Thoth Journey Tarot.

Ajja (Ajja S.F. Leu) channels his creativity through parallel careers as musician/producer/dj, and Peak Records label manager. His much appreciated solo live sets, fusing his twisted psy-experience with a love of funky grooves, have made him a fixture in major festivals and parties around the globe. Tanya Leu is married to Ajja, an artist she creates intricate pen artworks under the name of Tanina Munchkina.