Herman Leonhardt Obituary

Herman (Swamp Man) was one of my first acquaintances when moving to Charleston in 2004. I admired his glass art pieces at the Marion Square Farmer's Market and we struck up a lively conversation which flowed into a friendship. He was, without a doubt, one of a kind. I have two of his beautiful pieces here in my home which remind me of this unique individual every day. He is still missed.

Herman supplied my store in Charleston with beautiful handblown glass objects from 1990-2002. His amazing glass flowers were among the most popular items ever sold at STUDIO. He was a true one-of-kind artist that defined "marching to the beat of a different drummer". We went our seperate ways in 2002 and lost contact. I learned only today of his passing. His monthly visits to STUDIO were a joy. I clearly remember going through his flowers and bowls like a kid in a candy store.....selecting just the perfect pieces for the store. Our customers LOVED his work. I am truly sad to learn of his passing. My very belated condolences to the family.

Herman always brought a smile to us when the phone rang at 16 Patton gallery in Asheville: "Swampman here." You are missed Herman by the staff and artists at 16 Patton.

Thank you all for your notes about my father. I appreciate you all, as he did all of his friends. We will miss him.

Herman, even in your absence, you were very much with us at the market yesterday. We all have many memories of the years we shared with you and your beautiful art. Keep smiling down on us. You will be forever present at our market.

Herman and I hunted fished and had general "Swampman" type fun since the '70s. We logged cedar trees for his house from the edge of the ocean and cypress and heartpine from the Edisto River. We hunted with bow and blackpowder in the deep swamps of the Santee harveting hogs and deer. We also bear hunted in the "Dark Corner" of South Carolina. There are no better men than the "Swampman". He will be missed.

The Swamp Man was my first friend when I moved to Charleston in June of 2004. During my first visit to the Farmer's Market on that Saturday morning I was immediately attracted to his amazing glass works. A conversation unfolded, beginning with his witty comments and followed by his interesting, unique set of world views. Over the following years I have collected his glass and iron works, as well as his beautiful jewelry. I looked forward to our Saturday morning conversations and learning of his latest adventure in the arts. He passed way too soon and he will be greatly missed. I hope heaven will keep you as amused as your beautiful 'God's little half acre' on the Edisto. Be at peace, Herman.

I looked forward to Herman coming into my shop to buy metal. He always made me laugh and he once gave be a glass flower that I will forever cherish! I know Herman will make beautiful art for all the angels in heaven!!

I worked with Herman at Waterfront Gallery over several years. I found him to be aextremely talented artist and very gerenous with his artwork. He contributed glass pieces to many charities and organizations thtought Charleston and the Lowcountry. It was always a pleasure to have him stop by the gallery to bring us new pieces and visit for a while. He expressed definite opinions on the state of the world but always with a chuckle. He will definitley be missed artistically and personally.

Herman aka Swampman was friends with my mother since she was a teenager and we both loved him and will always love him to those who knew him and those he cared about he was the best friend and sweetest man in the world he will be missed everyday, not only did the world lose a breathtaking artist but we the people who truly knew him and loved him have lost so much. Swampman I love you, Mama loves you, and our hearts are full of sorrow you will never be far from our thoughts or our hearts
All my love
Nichole and my Mama Beth

Herman was one of the most accomplished artists I had the pleasure of working with as Director of the SC Artisans Center. He was always supportive of the center, and gladly helped us not only with his wonderful glass display, but created the blue bottle tree and then his great metal sculptures. My office presented me with one of his herons as a retirement gift when I retired from PRT. Herman's enthusiasm will be missed in the art community as well as his magnificant glass creations. His home is a great example of his creative force. I cannot believe that he is gone. He will be missed..............Carole Mullis