We sat down with new artist Lisa Lloyd to discuss her stunning artworks, her incredible eye for detail, and the future of her art.
AR: Where do you take your inspiration from? What/who are your biggest influences?
Lisa: My main inspiration comes from nature, I love the intricate details, patterns and textures. I have a background in graphic design, animation and music videos so I try and fuse it all together - I want to create work that is full of energy and movement.
AR: Photographing your work is a big part of your creative process, can you tell us why that is?
Lisa: Photographing the work myself is an important part of the process. When I take the shot I want to feel like a wildlife photographer- catching a split second of an animal's movement. I want the creatures in my images to feel alive and dynamic.
AR: How important is the use of colour in your work?
Lisa: I love the way colour makes me feel, it feels very mindful when I’m working with all the coloured paper, blending them together and finding what works is really exciting.
AR: You have an incredible eye for detail, how important are the little things in your designs?
Lisa: Thank you! The details are so important. They make an animal look like they are alive and breathing. They are also vital to holding the image together - creating focal points amongst the textures and patterns.
AR: What draws you to paper as a medium?
Lisa: I love the tactile quality of paper, the colours and different finishes. It has a mind of its own, so it’s fun wrangling it into the shapes and designs I want.
AR: How long does it take you to finish and then photograph each work of art? Can you tell us more about your process?
Lisa: An average piece takes 6-8 weeks to complete and then I’ll spend a couple of days lighting and photographing it. My usual process is to research the subject by looking online or visiting the real thing/museums if I can. I then do a sketch in oil pastels to work out the design and colours, then make a rough prototype in paper and card and then go into final production.
AR: How has your style developed over the years?
Lisa: My work has developed from paper illustrations for magazines, to ‘true to life’ commissions for commercial and private collectors and more recently abstract pieces for commercial clients and for myself. As time has gone on I’ve been able to work purely from nature and have had more opportunities to create abstract pieces.
AR: Describe your work in three words.
Lisa: Texture, colour, movement.
AR: Do you have a favourite piece of yours?
Lisa: I think my two most recent pieces are my favourites, the heron and pangolin. I’ve had the idea of them for so long, it feels great to finally get them out of my head into existence!
Pangolin - Medium by Lisa Lloyd - £100
AR: What is your workspace setup like? Has the pandemic changed the way you work at all?
Lisa: I am really lucky to have my own private studio in a shared building, so I was already working in isolation but with the benefit of having lovely creative people around me too. I’m a working mum so I was already pretty good at managing my time, but homeschooling and working during the pandemic took things to a whole new level - I’m so focused now when I’m at work.
AR: Where do you see your art going in the future?
Lisa: I’m so happy to be creating abstract pieces - it’s what I’ve wanted to do for so long and I feel so lucky to finally be able to do it. I have so many ideas that I want to get out, so I’m hoping my future is going to be creating more vibrant, abstract work that becomes more accomplished and freer as I go.
AR: If you could give one tip to new art collectors, what would it be?
Lisa: As an artist it’s so lovely when a person buys my work, I feel instantly connected to them and grateful for their support. I always love to hear from them and see where the work is in their space. It’s lovely to see the work in an entirely different setting.
We think you'll agree - Lisa's artworks are an amazing sight to behold. Make sure to check out Lisa's stunning new prints here.
