Hey! Welcome to my new website Lucie In The Sky Art and welcome to my first blog post. Here I will be writing about my latest artwork, the processes I use to create my art, artists who inspire me and more! First of all I'd like to begin my blog journey by telling you a bit about myself and the story behind Lucie In The Sky Art.
I was born in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK and have lived in a small Northumberland village all my life. I still live here today in the same cottage that my eccentric late grandma painted pink back in the 70s. I have always been surrounded by creativity with my grandma being a dress maker, my dad a photographer, my dear late mother a keen painter and knitter, my brother a musician and sister a graphic designer. It was only natural for me to go down the creative route.
In 2008 I studied art and design at Newcastle college and then went on further to complete a degree in surface design. My love for colour, pattern and texture began then and I continue to explore ways of using all three together in my work. Since college I began painting mixed media canvases for home interior spaces and illustrated art prints which you will find at Lucie In The Sky Art.
My journey with art started at the kitchen table when I was 2 years old with my mum teaching me. Since then painting and drawing has become a part of my daily routine and I take it with me wherever I go. Travelling and experiencing the wonders of the world, nature, music and the people I meet on the way all play an important role in fuelling my inspiration.
My typical week day is to wake up at 7.30am and take my dog Rufus straight for a walk. I work from home most days so he is always by my side. In the mornings I like to set my goals for the day and write a to do list. I will spend most of the day working on my social media marketing, updating my shop and designing new illustrations. In the afternoon/evening I will do some painting and work on any commissions. I don’t think a day goes by where I don’t draw, paint or design something! In the evening I usually take Rufus for another walk, then I like to cook dinner and wind down with some good ol' trash tv! Right before bed I like to do some meditation and reading.
If you're wondering where the name Lucie In The Sky came from, well you might have already guessed that yes I am a Beatles fan! My mum was a Beatles fan and I heard them a lot growing up. The name was originally Lucie in the Sky with Sequins because in college I loved to use sequins in my textiles work. The Beatles song ‘Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds’ is one of my favourites because of the imaginative lyrics and journey that it takes you on! The name was a good fit for that time in my life and has somewhat grown alongside me whilst exploring and developing my art techniques. Another reason why the name Lucie In The Sky works well is because I was always that kid in school day dreaming out of the window and looking at the clouds! I've always been a daydreamer.
I went through a very difficult time when I lost my mum to cancer in 2017. I felt like giving up on everything, including art! Luckily my creativity came back to me almost like a saviour and I have learnt to live with my grief whilst using my art as a healing tool. I became more determined than ever to give myself a life doing what I love to do most. I’ve learnt life is too short and you have to do what makes you happy in this world.
“Barns burnt down - now I can see the moon” by Mizuta Masahide
“Barns burnt down - now I can see the moon” by Mizuta Masahide who was a 17th century Japanese poet and samurai. To me the barn represents struggles and loss that we face and it being burnt down is the clearing to the light. That's how I feel about the difficult dark times passing and art being the helping light.
My goal now is to work on building up my art collection and to create something for everyone. I will be uploading artwork daily to my online shop so please subscribe to my mailing list for the latest updates, discount offers and get 15% off your next order! Thanks so much for taking the time to read my first blog and stay tuned for my next! Lucie xx