CH.89: If you were to categorize or describe the style of your artwork, what would it be and why?
AL: Lucid dreaming – my work develops through autobiography and magical realism.
CH.89: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
AL: Whatever things & feelings I fixate on.
CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about what your creative thought process is like when starting a new project/ piece of art?
AL: I think of my projects as responses. I start with an idea or image and then allow myself to respond. Throughout the entire process, I fixate on the initial idea while intuitively building the composition or piece. For murals, which are more planned out, I try to leave moments for improvisation in the design and I paint them free-handed.
CH.89: Is there anything in particular that you would want people to take from your artwork?
AL: No, though I am interested in the various takeaways different folks have.
CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about your lifestyle as an artist and what that is like?
AL: I go to work or teach during the week. My studio is in my home and I work on art whenever I can. Jogging, reading, listening to music, and hiking help me meditate on the ideas/images/moods I want to work with. When I can, I dance tango and salsa, which is not usually integrated directly in my work, though it has its own importance in my life.
CH.89: When starting out an artistic task, do you think it is better to have a particular direction/set plan guiding your way? Or, is it better to act on impulse and go from there?
AL: I am fascinated by impulses – mine and everyone’s – and I do my best to listen and explore them. For me, intuition is more important than setting plans, though I do have a direction I start off in that I allow to change and grow throughout the duration of a piece.
CH.89: What is one major lesson you’ve learned as an artist thus far?
AL: I used to stop myself from making something if I couldn’t figure out what it meant right away. I don’t do that anymore— for me, the meaning of an artwork deepens throughout the process of making it and even after it’s finished.
CH.89: Do you regard personal style & taste to be of highest importance?
AL: Yes.
CH.89: What do you consider to be the hardest thing about being an artist?
AL: The desire to always be working. I remind myself often to stop, I need breaks, and lapses in productivity are good for me.
CH.89: What is one thing you love about being an artist?
AL: I am grateful that I get to make work and share it with other people.
CH.89: Is there anyone in particular, any artists that inspire you in any way?
AL: Remedios Varo, Etal Adnan, the Hairy Who, Dr. Charles Smith, Hilma af Klint
CH.89: What do you think of technology in terms of being a useful tool for artists today?
AL: Technology is so useful for artists! As a tool and also as a connector to many other makers and resources.
CH..89: Do you think being an artist allows you to view the world differently from those who don’t follow creative paths?
AL: Surely as artists we’re all gleaming our everydays for bits of emotional/visual material to work with!
CH.89: Do you enjoy traveling? If so, do you have a favorite city?
AL: I don’t have a favorite city, but my favorite trip was to Denali.
CH.89: Do you have a favorite author or book?
AL: 100 Years of Solitude
CH.89: Any future goals or plans for your artwork?
AL: Someday I want to make my sculptures in porcelain.
CH.89: What’s the last song you listened to?
AL: Something by Di Sarli
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