I had the pleasure to ask artist Simone Lourenco some questions!  You can see Simone’s feature on the Flying Fruit Bowl here.

1.Tell us a bit about yourself….

I’m an artist born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to Portuguese parents. I immigrated to the US in 1986, spent my adolescent years in the gorgeous state of Connecticut, where Autumn is beauty incarnate. Now, New York City is my home and the place where I draw endless energy from to make my art.

2. Did you study art or are you self-taught?

My background began in fashion, and I slowly gravitated toward making drawings. I incorporate sewing elements in my work because I love to design and sew.

3. Can you talk a bit about the technique you use in your art? How did you discover this?

I feel that my discipline in making art really started when I began working with paper as a printmaker. Until then I had dabbled in painting but felt quite limited and bored with canvas- I couldn’t make it work for me no matter how hard I tried.

When I discovered paper and its forgiving and varied properties, I found the medium I was looking for! Paper lends itself to such different processes and I was surprised to find out how sturdy and pliable it is. There was an immediate freedom of expression because it afforded me with endless possibilities that had been previously locked.

I choose sturdy papers, such as cardstock and will begin by stacking several layers of paper together. I essentially “draw” with an X-ACTO knife on the first layer, carving and folding the paper. Each cut informs the next decision. In doing this, the second layer is exposed and I weave the first layer onto the second by cutting small slits and openings to build on line and detail.

4. What artistic category do you place your artwork in? Are they sculptures? Are they collage? Or are they something else?

I refer to them as drawings but the work really fits in all of those categories.

5. I think that some pieces of your art have an aboriginal feel to them. Is this something that influences you? If not, what does influence you and your art?

That’s a huge compliment and really exciting that this connection comes across. I don’t consciously think about this specific influence when making art, but because I consider nature to be my biggest muse, it makes sense to me that it would tie in with a Native American/aboriginal feel since nature was also represented in their work in such a big way. There is a decorative element in their tapestries and embroidery that I’m so receptive to. I’m interested in interpreting nature in my work because there are so many narratives to explore- it provides me with endless subject matter in terms of pattern and movement.

6. How do you go about deciding on the colour scheme for each piece?  Are there any particular colours you prefer to use?

I approach it very intuitively. Usually I begin by choosing a palette to work with and if I’m not keen on the colours, it halts the process considerably! Colour is a very important factor in the process.

7. On average, how long does it take to create one piece of work?

It’s hard to say how much time I spend on each piece because some days are more productive than others in terms of focus and patience. Some cut-outs take me several weeks to complete while others were made in two to three days. I enjoy working on labour intensive pieces very much, and when I find myself fully engaged and committed it’s very easy to spend a full day at it.

8. How do you generate ideas for your artwork? Do you compile imagery before you create a piece of work or are you more spontaneous?

Spontaneity rules. I don’t like planning one bit when making art. The fun lies in the unknown and I like to surrender all control and let it flow. There is so much preparing and planning in everyday life, so in the studio I want to work unhindered by premeditation.

9. What kind of music do you like and does it influence your art?

Music absolutely influences my art and movies as well. When I look back at past series, I can usually pinpoint what music I was listening to while making the work. I love the Velvet Underground, Felt, Bowie- I like story telling in songs a lot, and Lou Reed tells great stories! Music really keeps me company in the studio.

10. How important is it to be educated in art?

I guess it depends on what kind of art you want to do. Perhaps if you want to teach photography or illustration, you need to hone in on technique, so going to school can be really valuable. It really depends on the person as well, some really thrive in a structured academic environment where you have support from peers and professors. Personally, I don’t think it’s very important, but I’m coming in from a different place because my work is all about intuition, discovery and happy accidents. I’m not sure intuition and conviction can be taught.

11. Do you think that the internet hinders art, especially as people can’t determine the scale of a piece of work on a screen?

It’s so wonderful to be able to reach a wider audience that you generally couldn’t tap into before the advent of the internet but some work doesn’t translate as easily- a lot of my cut-outs are hard to photograph. I keep in mind when looking at art on the web that it’s a representation of the work, and not the work itself. For example when I saw Picasso’s Guernica painting live it was incredibly powerful. Seeing reproductions of it only prepared me for the experience of taking in the ‘real’ thing.

12. Have you ever collaborated with another artist?

If not, would it be something you consider doing in the future? Do you think that it is important to collaborate with others?

I’ve collaborated with a friend once, very long ago. It’s exciting for sure to bounce ideas off another artist and learn from one another but I’m more of a solitary worker, because I can be easily distracted. I like my alone time in the studio the best.

13. Do you sell your work? If so, what is the average price you sell your work for?

I do sell, and pieces range from $200 – $600. Some of my bigger cut-outs are $800.

14. Are there any other artists that you would suggest to be featured on this blog?

Yes, the wondrous work of director/photographer David Field (davidfieldproductions.com) and the visceral drawings and paintings of painter and designer Carol Ann Wachter (carolannwachter.com). Her sense of colour is absolutely lovely.

15. Is there anything you don’t like about being an artist?

Well, I do think artists are deeply sensitive beings and speaking for myself, I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve all day, every day. Sometimes I wish I didn’t feel things so intently, but that gentleness and sensitivity play a huge part in the art I make, so I don’t dislike it per se- I just tend to be in my head a lot and bringing myself back to the ‘real’ world can be a rude awakening.

16. Do you have any advice for aspiring artists?

Discipline. Keep at it even if you are unsure of what you’re doing. Turn your mind off if you can, so that doubt doesn’t creep in. Progress can only happen if you constantly make stuff because then you can revise your body of work