Lucy Cariou
What first inspired you to try art?
My Mum’s an artist so art was always the go-to activity when I was a child. My eighth grade art class had a watercolour unit, which is where I really fell in love with the medium. However my plan was never to become an artist, art was always there being made in the background but I never thought of it as my path until it came time to make the decision of what type of program I wanted to go into for university.
Was there ever a moment you wanted to quit art all together, and if so what brought passion and inspiration back?
I have wanted to quit making art in certain mediums. I was a textile major in university but by the time I was done my degree my passion for it had dried up and I went back to working in watercolours, which had been my first love that I had no time for during university. I still sew clothing from time to time, but not at the degree I once did, nor do I associate it with the same goals or aspirations that I have as an artist. Nonetheless having a familiar, yet very different medium, to turn to when I wanted to quit textiles was very helpful.
Have you gone to art school or are you self taught? If you’re self taught what resources or exercises did you use to learn?
I did go to art school, like I said I was a textile major so my painting style was never really informed by my experience there. I am mainly self taught when it comes to painting. I just use watercolour in the way that comes naturally to me.
One class that I suggest that everyone takes is perspective drawing. I took it as a required drawing course and it really helped change the way I look at all art and has made me a better artist as a result. Perspective drawing is very mathematical, which repels some people, but everyone can benefit from learning the basics.
What is the most challenging part about being an artist for you? How did you overcome that challenge?
The most challenging part is the time after a show or an event I was very excited to take part in. One show is never going to change your career. However some shows you participate in are more exciting than others and as they wrap up I am reflecting and sizing up what my expected pay-off from a show should be. I have to shake myself from this mindset and just keep the momentum moving forward, time heals as well.
If I find myself in the scenario where I don’t have a show coming up, or am waiting to hear back about something I like having my own actionable solutions that I have control over. Such as, focusing on artwork I am really excited to work on, and a very thorough deep cleaning of my studio space helps me a lot.
What does art mean to you?
Art means everything to me. I think about it everyday all of the time. I wouldn’t know what to do with myself without art. Art means showing my strengths, loves, inspirations, awes, vulnerabilities, and fears all at the same time.
What would you recommend to new artists trying to build a career? What are the keys to success?
It is a hard balance to continue making new work as well as chasing opportunities to exhibit your artwork. Setting aside art admin time is very important to send those emails, finish those applications, and make inquiries, apply for things that scare you, forget about the things you have applied to, and don’t get discouraged by rejections. It is important to put in the admin effort to get your art into public spaces!
What would you go back and tell your younger artistic self if you could?
I would tell myself to start applying for more things even if you don’t think you will be selected. It will surprise you what you get chosen for!
Where do you see yourself in the future? What are some of your goals?
I hope to have representation at more galleries in the future, locally, nationally, and internationally. The ultimate dream would be to be able to make work of whatever I want whenever I want and for it to be sold for the a price I want soon afterwards.
What drives the inspiration in your paintings? How would you describe your style?
A love of nature and light drives the inspiration for my paintings. I love plants and they are at the heart of all of my work and I want to represent them when they are their most evocative to me. I would describe my artistic style as taking inspiration from Romanticism, which emphasizes emotion, nature, and experiences of awe and wonder.
