Lola Rose Thompson | Studio Visit
Lola Rose Thompson | Studio Visit
Studio Visit with Lola Rose Thompson
Welcome to the psychedelic, color filled world of artist Lola Rose Thompson. Join us here for a tour of her studio space to learn about her practice and the impact our crazy, modern world is having on her work.
Q.
Tell us about yourself and how you came to be an artist…
A.
I’m an artist because I have to make art - it’s a compulsion, something I have to do in order to feel sane. I’ve loved drawing and expressing myself as far back as I can remember. There’s nothing else I’d rather do.
Q.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
A.
I’m inspired by the news, headlines, celebrity culture, tabloids, memes, philosophy, new age culture, language, science, Victorian novels, fantasy, and dreams.
Lola Rose says
“I’m an artist because I have to make art - it’s a compulsion, something I have to do in order to feel sane. I’ve loved drawing and expressing myself as far back as I can remember. There’s nothing else I’d rather do.”
Q.
Describe your work in three words....
A.
Whimsical, witty, idiosyncratic.
Q.
What is your creative process?
A.
Writing is a big part of my process - I write to clarify my thoughts and ideas and then eventually I pull concepts for works from the writing. For me the titles of my works are a crucial element - bringing the works to life and making them relatable. I come up with titles and then the works come from there - in an attempt to turn language into a visual medium.
Q.
The titles of your works are incredibly thoughtful. Do you have a strong connection with words?
A.
I’ve always loved reading and writing - I read constantly and escaping in stories. Both my parents are writers, and I guess I inherited that gene. Writing is one of the primary ways I express myself, and it’s crucial to my process and my sanity!
Q.
What makes you excited about the future?
A.
I just planted a bunch of wildflowers in all these random spots around LA - I’m excited to see them bloom.
Q.
What messages or emotions do you hope to convey to your audience?
A.
I think my work often references a lot of the trials and tribulations of existing in this super modern, weird, disconnected world. Hopefully people relate to the feelings I’m attempting to express - whether it’s frustration or irony or sarcasm or whatever.
Q.
What influence does modern culture and technology have on your work?
A.
I often reference technology in my work - cell phones, texting, social media, the internet - it all has such a big impact on our lives and relationships - so it’s not surprising that it ends up being a big part of what I’m thinking about and responding to in my work.
Q.
What makes you laugh?
A.
Kittens stuck in vases and videos of babies being silly on you tube.
Q.
You work across such a diverse range of mediums. Is there one that you are particularly drawn to or do you thrive on constantly experimenting with new techniques?
A.
I love working across different media - the medium changes depending on the idea I’m trying to get across, as well as how I’m feeling. It’s fun to switch it up and try different things.
Q.
What makes you nervous?
A.
Trying to make a living painting and making art - not ever having a guaranteed income.
Q.
Who are some contemporaries or figures in art history who have influenced you?
A.
Marina Abramovic, Jenny Holzer, Tracey Emin, Ed Ruscha, Allison Schulnik - I’m also super influenced by the authors I love- Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, EM Forster, F Scott Fitzgerald, Oliver Wilde, and the late great Oliver Sacks.
