Lucy Reed (b. 1997) is an acrylic and mixed-media artist born in Bournemouth and now based in London, United Kingdom. Self-taught and starting to paint from 2020, her work is inspired by her surrounding environments, movement, bright pigments and visually stimulating art. Her paintings feature bold, colour-saturated patterns and shapes designed to evoke a whole variety of different emotions. Her use of texture gives movement and layering to each piece she creates.
Tell us your story, why did you become an artist?
I became an artist in 2020 during the pandemic, having always had a love for art and wanting to experiment and explore my passion in lockdown. Having not picked up a paint brush for many years, I found a newly discovered love for the process and it subsequently snowballed into an established career as an artist.
When you create a new work, how do you go about it? What comes first?
I’m continuously thinking of new colour schemes, designs and directions for my work. I start off with a basic concept in my head, and then let my imagination flow freely as I start to paint. I don’t like tying myself down to a strict plan- I very much follow where my brush goes and how I’m feeling in that moment. Going with the flow is my forte!
What can you tell us about your studio, what makes it special to you and how does it influence the way you work?
My studio is incredibly special to me and where I feel most at home. I established it from scratch and it has become a place of great peace and happiness for me. I love nothing more than turning my music, immersing myself in it and letting that translate to the canvas I am painting on.
Is there a work of art in your life that has especially impressed you?
I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Moco Museum in Amsterdam, where I was lucky enough to see Jean-Michel Basquiat’s work exhibited there. He has been a long-standing artist of inspiration for me and I find his work incredibly daring and pushing of boundaries.
Reach to the stars: where will you be in 5 years?
In 5 years time, I would love to be exhibiting my work globally and growing my audience across the world. Turning my passion into work is one of my proudest achievements and I hope to continue this long into the future.
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