Untitled Diptych, 2020
Unless you're living under a rock, it should be obvious that we are all stuck in the same situation right now.
Frankly, if you're living under a rock, the whole world is right there with you. Sometimes this isolation feels like heaven and sometimes it feels like hell, but overall, it is certainly raining down hardship on all of us. However, in a bizarre way, there is a sort of silver lining on this big dark Corona-Cloud. This shit storm is bringing us all together in a way that only a global pandemic could. If you have opened your eyes you have surely witnessed an incredibly diverse and constant amount of support from people to people all over the globe; whether it be emotional, financial, donation of goods, services or time. Although this is heartwarming and wonderful, it is really not enough.
Unfortunately, there are still many others in need. Whether you get infected by the virus or not, we are all feeling its effects - and we are all responding differently to the same stimulus. At Shit Art Club, We have observed this first hand as we try and do our part with our COVID-69 Benefit Auction. We have asked all of the artists involved the same questions about how they are impacted and are getting some very different answers.
This week, we have the honor of featuring one of our favorite artists, Lucy Eyears. For those of you who aren't familiar with Eyears’ work, trust us when we say she knows what the hell she's doing. The England born, California raised artist is one of the usual suspects at SAC. She has been immersed in art since day one thanks to her family, education, jobs, and her own self since she dedicated her life to creating beautiful art works. She gave us some insight into what it means to be an artist at a time like this and how she is affected after losing the day job, dealing with uncertainties and being on a losing streak in checkers. How does she stay so positive? Maybe she’s a genius. Maybe she’s crazy. Maybe she knows something we don’t. Maybe all three. Either way, she polishes the silver lining for us every day with her attitude and artwork. We all owe her our undivided attention and a big thank you.
Read below to hear straight from Queen Lady Head herself, Ms. Lucy Eyears:
How do you foresee the future of the art market post COVID-19?
I think the art market is going to go off! After weeks and weeks of people hanging at home looking at their blank walls - they are going to want to invest. I also think people are not interested in buying the materialist items at the moment. If anyone is buying anything it’s as an investment or worth their money. For example, I bought an Ikea rug and bench!
Lucy Eyears at home.
Santa Monica, CA
Can you provide some insight into your studio life and how COVID-19 has made an impact? Any significant changes?
To be honest, I've experienced a lot of change throughout COVID-19. I was laid off from my other job which was an interesting transition for me as it was out of left field. At the same time, it’s been an amazing outcome because I've now been spending many hours in my studio. I almost felt like I kicked it into high gear and can solely focus on painting which I hadn’t been able to do in a long time. Before COVID-19 it was a busy time - work, painting, friends, socializing, travel - there was always something. I felt that I had a few hours in the day to think about painting and now it’s taking up most of the day. I find myself thinking about it inside and outside of the studio with no distractions which is a real blessing.
Has this pandemic had any direct influence on your work or creative process?
I find that I have been spending more time in the studio and experimenting with my work. This includes styles I’ve always wanted to try or new color combinations- it goes on! It’s in my thought process constantly. While we have this time might as well use it and experiment with mediums, colors, thought process etc.
Is the town you live in on lockdown? Has the virus affected daily life amongst the locals?
We are currently on lockdown in LA. The roads are pretty bare which is rad but people are still out and about. LA is such an active place even if it was illegal to go outside, people would still train for that LA marathon.
Where’s the first place you’re going when this is all over?
The beach and The Pit! - I really want to do a show with them one day.
Other than painting or drawing, what is keeping you sane during this madness?
Being outside - going on walks, yoga, biking, skating, cooking and reading. Playing checkers with Zac and losing miserably somehow every time - didn’t even know that was possible. How do you continuously lose at checkers??!!!!
Do you think anything beneficial can come from this pandemic? What?
I do - people slowing down - spending time with loved ones and also being grateful for when we can see friends and family.
Tell us a bit about some of your influences. While developing as an artist was there anyone who you have been influenced or inspired by consistently over the years?
I always loved painting and drawing growing up but my dad was a huge influence once I started to really paint. He is the one who introduced me to contemporary modern art. He would take me to galleries and museums when i was younger and we would talk about the paintings - Jackson Pollock, Monet etc. I loved it and it was a great way for us to bond after my parents got divorced. Still to this day I always ask him for advice - I send him images of all my work.
It seems like everyone is able to share their work today using their almighty iPhone and the internet. We see artists sharing a lot of work all of the time. It is a blessing and a curse. Who are some of the artists active today whose work you are following? What about their work or practice interests you? Is there something that these artists have in common? What are some of the unique things that each of these artists have that piques and maintains your interest in them?
I love works by Cecily Brown, Heather Day, Katherine Bradford, Joan Mitchel, and Ammon Rost,
Cecily Brown has always been a huge influence - her work is just absolutely stunning. It’s so fluid and engaging I could stare at it forever. The other artist I mentioned I really love their use of color. It’s bright and poppy which is quite similar to mine. And then lastly is the use of space on the canvas. I find that all of these artists allow the negative space to engage and be present which I always admire and find very interesting.
After receiving more grim news about our fellow humans suffering and dying around the globe, isolation extensions and conflicting reports that feed our anxieties, we couldn’t think of a better artist to be focused on this week. Each of Eyears’ works serve as a perfect vehicle to deliver her uniquely placid optimism to each and every one of us when we need it most.
COVID-69 Art Auction
Silent auction 'COVID-69 Art Auction' hosted online at 32auctions.