Shelby x Lauren Maria Hill
Lauren is an artist from Bristol. Her practice involves a combination of painting, object-type sculpture, and more recently exploring her experiences in writing. Her visual work explores internal discourse, definitions of beauty, and transformation of materials. In recent years, she has completed her degree in Fine Art and a semester of study in Hong Kong, while working for a local Fine Art printer. Lauren has taken part in community-based projects in Bristol, co-curated exhibitions which engage with the public, and completed live paintings at events such as Upfest 2016 and 2018 - Europe's largest street art festival.
Q1. On first look your installation work and your paintings might appear quite different from one another. Could you tell us a bit about your inspiration for both of these areas of your practice?
Yes, they are both quite different! In my paintings, I am inspired by the beauty of facial features and how light is cast on the face. In my portraits, I capture a moment of muted sound, and visually tell somebody’s story. My installation/sculptural work is fairly new and much more experimental. It is an abstract expression of still moments and memories of the past, through drawing in space. It all began with exploring the idea of 3D replication and relics by casting familiar objects and fusing components together. The colour palette is muted in comparison to my paintings, because I enjoy working with the raw materials.
Q2. This zine explores the role of art in activism and you’ve written a piece around some of the barriers that working class artists and others face in industry. What prompted your exploration of this as an issue?
I have experienced class-consciousness and the feeling of being unable to understand contemporary art. During school I also thought that university was out of my reach financially. The working class are at a disadvantage from the start of their journey in education, no matter how talented and ambitious they may be, because having a fixed income is a top priority. There are many inequalities within the arts industry which need to be addressed.
Q3. You’ve done a few live painting events now, what does that process feel like and how does it differ from the work you create without an audience?
Live painting is such a good feeling. I get totally lost in the process. There isn’t much time for reflection like there is in a studio environment. I also find it very interesting that somebody may look at the painting and see a finished piece, but I will continue for another hour and it is completely different to what they imagined. I don’t feel that an artwork is totally finished, I think of it as abandoning the work just at the right time!
Q4. What’s been your biggest challenge and biggest joy in pursuing a creative career?
I find creative blocks very challenging. My biggest joy is the feeling of breaking through and creating something that resonates with others.
Q5. In your portraiture, how do you choose your muses and what significance, if any, does this have?
I have painted close friends and acquaintances. The photography aspect of the portrait painting is important, and sometimes I just prefer them as photographs. I use natural light and find a relaxed moment where I allow the muse to sit still. At a previous job of mine, a new girl started at the office and I really admired her confidence. She had bright short hair, beautiful dark skin, and wore bold accessories - commanding the attention of the room. I asked if I could take her photograph and it went from there. It’s a form of documentary, so the story behind the painting is almost more important than the work itself.
Q6. If you could collaborate with anyone (dead or alive), who would it be?
There are many artists I admire. I would choose to collaborate with my beautiful friend Jenny, who passed away in 2016. We used to make pinhole cameras together and develop B&W film in my Dad’s garage, and she painted intricate yet abstract work. We could create something very weird and wonderful in a live painting session.
Q7. Where can people find/buy/commission more of your work?
You can find me on Instagram @laurenmariahill and on my website www.laurenmariahill.com
I occasionally make prints, and I am working on a new body of work, so I will update as much as possible! I’d love to hear from anyone interested in my work or wanting to share theirs with me.