Q&A with Lucy Young (PT2)
Part two of a Q&A session with Emily from the Mayne Gallery . Please hit the link to the gallery and have a look at all the amazing artists they represent.
What moment in your career are you most proud of?
I started painting fresh out of University, but for the first few years I continued to have various jobs alongside this to support myself. Then 18+ years ago I knew it was time to take a leap of faith, and say good bye to my day job. This was the best and most courageous decision I have ever made, and I have never looked back. I have true faith in myself and the universe, that I am here to bring uplifting joy through my creations.
Are you trying to say anything or share a message through your work?
My objective is to inspire and bring happiness into clients homes daily. I have a vivid memory from my art history lessons, and seeing the messages historical artist had portrayed through their art. I knew instinctively I wanted nothing more than to uplift people with my art, this was my message. I still share this passion with my younger self, painting is a true window to my soul and I desire only to lift you with my art, but I also hope my art is a symbol of gratitude to nature, and a beautiful reminder of just how lucky we are to live on this little blue planet with all it’s breathtaking awe and wonder.
Seeing the world from above has a humbling effect, I recently read a beautiful book by Buddhist Monk Thich Nhat Hann and his words re-enforced my feeling of why I am so drawn to the aerial perspective;
“It is reported that astronauts orbiting high up in space stations, spend most of their free time contemplating the breath taking sight of earth far below. On the first trip to the Moon, astronauts were stunned to see the moon rise above the suns desolate horizon, we know that on the moon there are no trees rivers or birds. No other planet has yet to have been found with life as we know it.”
This is a powerful yet simple reminder of just how lucky we are to live on planet Earth.
Are there any causes that you believe in/that you're involved in?
I feel very connected to the natural world, and I have a deep desire to protect and fully appreciate every element of this beautiful planet. I am proud to be in partnership with Creating tomorrow’s forest, a UK based reforestation programme. For every painting or print purchased from my collections Creating Tomorrow’s Forest will plant a tree, and every month I pay to plant a wild flower meadow all here in the UK, helping replace our lost forests and rebuild our diverse habitats.
Sustainability has always been at the core of my art, and inspiration for my pieces is drawn from the time I spend immersed in nature. But, for everything we take we must replace so our future generations can continue to enjoy the world we know and love.
What other artists/creatives inspire you?
I am most drawn to artist who clearly connect to their art form on a spiritual level. To me the most successful people in any art form is when you can see or hear their soul shine through. Mozart did it through Music, J.M.W Turner revealed his soul through his incredible ability to capture light, Barbour Hepworth crafted her passion through her beautiful organic sculptures. I sense this passion with many modern day artist, and I feel blessed daily to have my opportunity to express my true self through paint.
Tell us something you think your collectors/buyers would find surprising about you or your work.
I am a cold water swimmer, and I take daily freezing cold showers. I am a great believer that cold water therapy is the best way to start your day and focus your mind.
I also love to start my day with a gratitude frenzy, I verbally list everything I am grateful for and it has a way of lifting my energy and making me smile. I love the fact my young children are now adopting this gratitude lists too.
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