Artist Statement:
“The artist is a receptacle for emotions that come from all over the place: from the sky, from the earth, from a scrap of paper, from a passing shape, from a spider's web.” -Pablo Picasso

I create one-of-a-kind mixed media collages inspired by the intersection of my imagination and images that express iconic connections with subjects that inspire and transcend. I re-invent the collage techniques and traditional, utilitarian uses of fabric to create iconic statement pieces that share testimonies for healing. Technology is key to producing compositions that integrate my illustrations and images printed on fabric and applied with commercially-produced companion remnants to various substrates. Interdisciplinary mediums such as paint and 3-D enrichment elements are applied to add layered depth, color and texture to structural presentations inviting intentional storytelling, audience reflection and visually-stimulating viewer immersion and connection. My current creative direction is focused on reinventing collage, using repurposed materials to transform cultural norms, utilitarian techniques and materials to create art that pushes the boundaries of interdisciplinary mediums, with a particular focus on kite making and installation.
 
Lydia’s Art Making Process:
Lydia approaches art-making with spontaneity and purpose. She embraces learning new techniques and allows for the flow of ideas, mediums, and materials that contribute to the creation of statement pieces. She often uses collage as a way to unite disparate ideas and incorporate a variety of techniques. From realism and a tight illustrative style to integrating calligraphy, paint, fabric remnants and digital image manipulation, she enjoys using her own photography (or images from permissible sources) as a basis for exploring the application of a variety of drawing and painting techniques.

As a collage artist, Lydia approaches art-making with conceptual deliberation and spontaneity. Each composition is carefully thought out once the spark of an idea emerges, and created virtually before being printed on fabric. She embraces learning new techniques and allow for the flow of ideas, mediums, and materials that contribute to the creation of statement pieces that incorporate realism, illustration, calligraphy, paint, fabric, 3-D elements and digital image manipulation. Her collages unite disparate ideas that create powerful emotional and personal connections with her own life's experiences. She is committed to using and re-purposing the traditional sewing and quilting techniques of her heritage, taught and influenced by her ancestors, to create a living testimony for healing. From expressions of joy to the tenderness of sorrow, each collaboration is intentional, reminding hearts to heal, restoring a sense of well-being, and bringing peace and restoration to broken spirits.

The artistic process focuses on the interpretation of the subject matter itself instead of using traditional technical illustration techniques. The intersection of technology elevates her collage work from cutting and gluing paper or quilting fabric, to personalizing and expanding the mixed media experience.

Technology is key to producing a digital footprint for each composition. Lydia uses her own drawings, paintings, photographs or source-approved images which are uploaded to a third party to print on high quality cotton fabric. The image(s) are then assembled on canvas and further enhanced by commercially produced companion fabric using high gloss medium. Water-based oil or acrylic paint, and 3-D enrichment elements are applied to achieve layered depth, color and texture. The sequential, synergistic assembly process creates an introspective connection to the subject, often tapping into the healing artistry and emotional energy that clients experience emerging from the canvas.

Lydia accepts commissions, which are often collaborative. With input that includes context for interpreting the subject matter and her creative immersion into their universe, Lydia empties herself into the canvas to create unique keepsakes and commemorative, cohesive creations.

• 1.25″ (3.18 cm) thick poly-cotton blend canvas
• Canvas fabric weight: 10.15 +/- 0.74 oz./yd.² (344 g/m² +/- 25g/m²)
• Fade-resistant
• Hand-stretched over solid wood stretcher bars
• Mounting brackets included
• Blank product sourced from the US, Canada, Europe, UK, or Australia

This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!