Lucy Stevens on Birds, Bold Color, and Finding Creative Flow Through Nature
Lucy Stevens is a British artist (b. 1982) who lives and works in Leicester, UK.
She received a BA (Hons) and an MA in Fine Art from Nottingham Trent University, graduating from the MA course in 2007. Stevens’ body of work encompasses mixed media 2D works, site-specific sound installations, walks, concerts, and most recently, sculpture.
She creates vibrant abstract portraits of avian subjects and rural landscapes inspired by ornithology and colour theory. Her projects often include collaboration with experts in the natural world, including scientists, bird-watching and ringing groups, museum curators, ornithologists, photographers, musicians, and bird conservation charities to develop a deeper understanding of her subject area.
Stevens explores our complex relationship with nature by reinterpreting bird conservation case studies, natural science museum collections, and visualising animal vocalisations through a range of methodical techniques to develop a register of colour-coded symbols and mark-making.
She has exhibited across the East Midlands and London, including a solo exhibition at Leicester Museum, and in London at The Affordable Art Fair and The Other Art Fair. She has been commissioned by The National Forest, Nottingham Castle Museum & Art Gallery, Attenborough Arts Centre, The University of Leicester, and Wirksworth Festival to develop new mixed media works on paper and site-specific sound works. She has also taken part in artist residencies in London, Leicester, Scotland, Brussels, France, and Sweden. Public art collections include Leicester Museum, The University of Leicester, and Nottingham Trent University.
Website: www.lucystevens.co.uk
Shop www.lucystevens.bigcartel.com
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Interview
Tell us a bit about your creative journey. How did you arrive at this current body of work?
I've been inspired by birds for a while, whether it's recording their song and visualising it, interpreting bird conservation reports into colour-coded charts, or producing portraits using my flat, graphic bold style in the studio. I wanted to make a new collection of paintings focused on the blackbird because it's my favourite bird—I love their flutey song, striking appearance, and character. I see blackbirds when walking my dog, Millie, in the mornings, either singing from rooftops, trees, or foraging for food. I wanted to make a collection of work that I wanted to see in the world that wasn't necessarily for an art fair—it would be for me. The only reason it is part of a solo exhibition was to give myself a deadline to work toward!
What was the inspiration behind Blackbird?
It was a combination of things that came together at the same time—my love and curiosity of birds, walks in nature, and my developing interest in the spiritual. This year I've been trying to connect with myself better by keeping a journal, pulling a tarot card whenever I feel the need for guidance, attending sound baths, and reading more books/listening to podcasts on manifestation and mindset. A lot of the environments you'll see in these paintings include houses, gardens, and parks seen on my morning walks. Blackbirds are also very resilient birds and adjust their diet and behaviour throughout the year in response to the changing seasons, and I find this fascinating and inspiring.
How has your connection to nature (and your walks with Millie!) influenced your practice?
Walking in nature has been really nourishing for my body, mind, and my art practice. There was a time when I would skip the walk if I felt I was too busy, but now it's an essential start to the day—to spend time with my dog, Millie, and to relax and reset. Walking also helps me to find another perspective to solve creative problems and to connect to the environment around me. During the making of Blackbird, I have felt inspired by a lot of things seen on my walks, including birds, trees, plants, and for the first time, architecture—including houses, garden fences, rooftops, brick walls, and more.
What creative challenges have you overcome recently, and how did you move through them?
At the moment I have several jobs as well as being an artist. I was a full-time artist for four years, but I found that I wasn't happy or actually making work—just delivering workshops and talks because these offered a guaranteed income. When I started a part-time job working in a library at De Montfort University, it changed everything in the best way. I was able to see creative ideas for paintings in my head. Previously I had not been able to do this—I always worked from a plan or pre-sketch. The financial support that a job has given me has allowed for an abundance of ideas, and I feel lighter, happier, and excited to unleash this new energy in the studio. For this collection, I've really enjoyed creating new compositions from a series of images and exploring layering acrylic paint and oil pastel on canvas, board, and paper.
What advice would you give other artists about staying consistent or finding joy in the studio again?
I would suggest that artists figure out how many days a week in the studio is best for them. It doesn't have to be a full day. I've found that my minimum optimal time in the studio is four hours, but it will be different for everyone. Once you have a weekly routine, you'll develop habits that help you structure your session. I usually make coffee and get a jar of water for dirty paintbrushes. Then I'll put a podcast on. I love listening to a mix of things, from true crime, artist interviews, and manifestation/spirituality. I do this before looking at the artwork. At the end of the day, before I turn the lights off, I show gratitude for my studio by thanking it. I made a promise to myself to show up more to the studio this year—and I have—even when I've been tired. I've learned that I can rely on myself to show up and I can work through creative problems. If something is going wrong in the studio, I can work through it. I know if I keep going, it will get better. The only way I can keep showing up to the studio is by filling my cup, and that can be anything from walks in nature, connecting with family and friends, yoga, visiting exhibitions, finding an amazing artist on Instagram, or a good book (working in a library helps!).