George and David Lewis — Artists and Island Treasures

George and David Lewis, Island Treasures, internationally celebrated artists, sculptors, garden masters and Renaissance men thrive among the flora and fountains planted and carved by their own hands on Bainbridge Island.

In this episode of “Who’s On Bainbridge,” BCB host Annie Osburn interviews George and David Lewis about their multi-faceted and fascinating lives on Bainbridge. Perhaps best-known for their unique concrete sculptures of giant gunnera leaves, rustic columns and fountains, the Lewis’s began their magical garden gallery in 1992. Quickly, the garden became renowned for its art, water features, naturally evolving “rooms” and compelling mix of plants—from English garden to Tropicalismo. The garden gallery was open to thousands of visitors for nearly two decades.

In their early days, George (formerly Little) and David Lewis joined artistic and life forces over the installation of one simple thing – a fountain designed by George and purchased by David for his home. Their effort inspired the creation of a water-gardening business and years of creative collaboration punctuated by vibrant color, big nature and Mexican flourishes. In 2005, the Lewis’s published a book about their magnificent garden, A Garden Gallery: The Plants, Art and Hardscape of Little and Lewis, which was awarded the Silver Medal for Best Garden Book of 2006 by the Garden Writer’s Association. In 2007, the duo was honored with the Island Treasure Award by the Bainbridge Island Arts & Humanities Council in acknowledgement for their excellence in garden art and sculpture.
Today, the Lewis’s devote their time to giving back to the community and philanthropic efforts with local non-profit organizations, including volunteering and participating on the boards of the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art and Bloedel Reserve.

 

Credits: Podcast host and producer: Annie Osburn; audio editor and Who’s On Bainbridge music splash: Tim Bird.