LUMI Visits DSNR MAG
In the first edition of our Artist Series, we are bringing Lumi to the forefront, to share her background and creative journey. At DSNR MAG, we not only focus on what Designed By Pauly Steez is creating, but also highlighting other creatives who have inspired us with their own work and stories. This interview is paired with a special collaboration between Lumi Studio and DSNR MAG, in the form of an NFT (Non-Fungible Token) that will be released at the drop of this article. The NFT is a short animation clip, highlighting our flame logo transforming into a symbolic gesture of Lumi Studio’s iconic light bulb.
THE ARTICLE
BACKSTORY
Where are you from? & How has it influenced your art?
I was born in Bozeman, MT, (1997) but my parents moved to western South Dakota when I was young. They raised me in the Black Hills, and despite my love for nature, I always resonated more with city life and culture which vastly contrasted with the rather conservative atmosphere I was surrounded by growing up. I developed my love for nature while living here, which has greatly impacted my spiritual journey. Although my work doesn’t contain obvious and representational influence of the landscape, I convert my inspiration from nature into conceptual ideas and expressions. I also spent a lot of time reading growing up, thanks to my dad. He still gives me books from time to time, which has nurtured my art and poetry. My influences growing up came from all facets of my life, and if it weren’t for growing up in the hills I wouldn’t be the artist I am today.
Your forms of creation
When it comes to choosing a medium, I don't specialize or prefer anything in particular. I did get a Bachelor of Fine Arts, and through my college career I explored several mediums that I wouldn't have if it weren't for some of the professors I got the opportunity to work with. Currently, I work heavily with collage and acrylic, but I also do photography, screenprinting, animation, and even poetry from time to time. I believe the importance of creating, lays in the intention and the process more so than the media or the product. I believe each medium has the ability to portray a different message and, as an artist, it's a pleasure to explore the variety of compositions and concepts possible from one media to another. When I paint, I find myself more focused on freedom of expression in contrast to my collage work where I am much more focused on pushing an idea or message through the compositional elements.
What goes on in the background while you’re creating? (Ex: Listen to music, Podcasts, etc.)
The creative process for me is never the same, it morphs and adapts depending on a variety of factors. I've even come to realize that a simple change in the weather or a slight swing in my mood will determine how I create. Some days it's me with a brush in hand in complete silence, other days I have a delicately curated playlist ranging from Wu-tang to Frank Ocean, back to old R&B hits to MF DOOM. I am greatly influenced by music especially, it was my voice when I was silent and paint was my soul's expression through those silent times. I have the occasional science documentary or an anime on for extra background noise and inspiration, but my work wouldn't be what it is today without music.
What is your most outlandish goal?
I don't believe that any goal is outlandish. I am an avid student of the Law of Attraction. Years ago I set goals for myself that are currently being put into motion, some even have already been done. I have curated several shows, shown my work in even more, and I've helped with a variety of murals around my hometown. I even recently finished designing a mural for my friend’s memorial, Happy Kid Skatepark. Even now, I'm working with several people behind the scenes in the music industry as well as the art community, and I look forward to continuing my journey as a creative. It’s all about manifesting the reality you want, nothing is out of reach. We’re creators for a reason, it’s why I’m here, I believe it’s why anyone is here: to create.
Something Cool/Weird about you
My name Lumi actually comes from the French word for light: lumiére. I once got a fortune awhile back that said, “spread the light; be the lighthouse.” And from that day I knew that it was my mission through my journey as a creative, and just as a person, to be that light for people. To shed light on the corners of our minds and our society, and to bring a sense of peace and honesty to the forefront of our collective reality.
•
We want to give a special thanks to Lumi for giving us the opportunity to hear her story, process behind her creativity, and providing inspiration to be the light in any space you step into. You can view her links + more works here and also check out our collaboration and NFT Drop.
OUR SPECIAL COLLABORATION + NFT DROP
