CH // When or where do you feel the most creative?

LW // My full-time career is in Fashion Design, but a few years ago I found myself craving another outlet for my creativity. I wanted to do something that was for me and only me. It felt second nature as I picked up my paintbrushes again after so many years; a familiar joy like catching up with an old friend.  I find working with my hands to be such a creative, grounding and meditative escape.

CH // Is there a specific message or feeling you aim to convey through your work?
 
LW // I want my art to feel like a safe space. Getting lost in the work brings me a child-like sense of joy and I think that playfulness and honesty is visible in the pieces.

CH // What is the most important thing you have learned as an artist?
 
LW // I have learned to trust my instinct. Art in all forms is inherently subject to opinion, criticism, and praise. When I made the decision to paint for myself, that’s when I really discovered what I wanted to say.

CH // Tell us about one of your favorite pieces.

LW // “Totem”, a piece that I created specifically for Croft House, holds a special space in my heart. I got to collaborate with my Dad who is a really talented woodworker. He helped me to carve a series of organic shapes out of maple wood and then I covered them in many layers of plaster for a ceramic look and feel. Discovering this new technique meant that there were so many failures along the way. We both learned so much and it made the final result that much more meaningful!

CH // How do you know when a work is finished?
 
LW // There is usually a point during a project where I panic!  At that point, I have to walk away, regroup my confidence and trust the vision, and keep moving through the process. I can tell that a work is finished because I get an overwhelming feeling of relief and pride and want to immediately send photos to my friends!