By Pauly
I have the distinct pleasure of introducing you to three such artists. All sharing two similarities: their love for art and their amazing talent. The first artist is Lauryn Yovino. Lauryn is clearly an artist who doesn’t feel that art should be categorized by any traditional labels. Her art is very nature focused, and has a very strong femine undertone. Her bold dipiction of the female body is inviting, enchanting and empowering. In addition to her illustrations, Lauryn makes clothing and accessories that incoporate her artistic style.
Lauryn Yovino
Bio: Lauryn Yovino graduated from the School of Visual Arts in New York City three years ago, where she majored in Cartooning and Illustration. Upon graduating she worked with several small companies doing logo design and storyboards. Lauryn’s artwork has been featured in several galleries in New York such as: Madame X, The National Arts Club, and Don Hills collaborative art show. She is currently traveling across country selling her artwork at various art and music festivals. (All art located below this bio are creations of Lauryn Yovino)
Pauly: So Lauryn, What’s Your Strive(s)?
Lauryn: My goal is to share my artwork with as many people as possible. I want to make others think of things they may not have thought of before, by using my artwork as a platform for conversation. Mostly I’d like to make people smile and think a little deeper. I’d also like to travel the world, and plan to use my artwork as a means to accomplish this.
Pauly: Where are you from?
Lauryn: I grew up in Long Island, New York, but for the past seven years I’ve lived in New York City.
Pauly: How did you get started?
Lauryn: I got started drawing very young and was continually encouraged to keep creating by my parents. I attended the School of Visual Arts and upon graduating did several freelance jobs with a few small companies such as BSI Merchandise & Micro Films. Plus having a few gallery shows in NY: Madame X, The National Arts Club, and Don Hills collaborative art show.
Pauly: What steps are you taking to achieve your goals?
Lauryn: The steps I am taking to accomplish this are taking a road trip with a friend and fellow artist (Amy Saffner) first traveling the US vending at various art and music festivals. As well as creating artwork for different companies who have a cause similar to my own.
Pauly: With everybody trying to make it into the art business, what do you do to separate yourself from the crowd?
Lauryn: This question made me think a bit. I attended the School of Visual Arts in New York City before deciding to take my art on the road. I was constantly surrounded by amazing artists, sometimes it made me worry about not making it. Then I realized art is subjective and that if I continued to create artwork that I enjoy and makes me happy, it will have the same effect on others as well. To separate myself from others I try to reach out to as many people and companies as possible. Instead of allowing myself to become intimidated by other artists, I learn from them to progress my own artistic career. So to answer your question, my artwork is a culmination of everything I enjoy plus my imagination which give it a unique flair.
Pauly: Your art seems to be heavily focused on nature, a bold interpretation of female expression, and fantasy. What is your inspiration?
Lauryn: Yes my art is heavily focused on nature. I practice Wicca, not as frequently as I used to but this definitely has an impact on my artwork. Not to mention that I’m fascinated by mythology and pagan myths, and fantasy comics. As per the pin-up style I love the work of Luis Royo, Rowena Morill, and Gil Elvgren. These are just a few artists who’ve been a great inspiration to me.
Pauly: What are you currently working on?
Lauryn: Right now I’m currently working on some smaller pieces that capture what I have seen thus far on my road trip and throughout my adventures at festivals.
Pauly: Do you feel that your art form is a way to express yourself, or a way of life?
Lauryn: I suppose my artwork is both. It’s definitely a way to express what I am feeling or thinking. However it is a way of life as well. I would not be able to imagine living life and not doing art, it is part of who I am.
Pauly: What’s your resume?
Lauryn: Well I have two different resumes. One that involves all of my non-art related things for example I worked at Bergdorf Goodman for a while, and was a manager at The Body Shop as well. And then there is my art related resume, in which I include all of my freelance jobs as well as gallery showings and art related projects that I have helped put together.
Pauly: Your site displays not only art, but original clothing and accessories too. Could you explain this?
Lauryn: Right after graduating I wasn’t really sure what to do with my artwork. I enjoyed making costumes and skirts and things while I was in school so I figured I’d branch out. I took one pattern making class at FIT and hated it. I never finished that class. Anyway to answer the question I enjoy making clothes, altering things and creating accessories this is more of a hobby to me though that I figured I may as well include on my website.
Pauly: Do you have a contract, or are you currently shopping around?
Lauryn: I don’t have a contract right now. I just sort of pick up freelance jobs here and there. It allows me a bit more freedom with my work. But who knows what will happen in the future.
Pauly: What’s your opinion of the current art scene?
Lauryn: I guess it depends on what type or art you are talking about. But what I do know is that in this current time of economic hardship, I’ve definitely seen an explosion in the artistic scene. I think this is great, there is nothing better than creativity and self expression to pull us through the hard times in life. I mean in Chicago and New York alone there are lots of young artists doing some really crazy things, especially incorporating a more eco-friendly approach to their artwork. I think it’s great.
Lauryn: My advice is to not be shy about your work, talk to as many people as possible and show your work as often as you can. Draw at least once every day and experience as much out of life as you can, it will reflect in your work.
Pauly: Any other upcoming projects you’d like to mention?
Lauryn: Our most recent projects as a collaborative artistic road trip is to attend Rothbury music festival and after that the July Jamboree in Cloudcroft, New Mexico.
Pauly: Any plugs you’d like to drop?
Lauryn: face book – green oil nation
www.amysaffner.etsy.com
www.myspace.com/shstrangers
www.classicallyabsurdphotography.net
Lauryn: Here are some links to festivals we will be vending at:http://sundogsummershakedown.itgo.com/ - Grateful Garcia Gathering, Black River Falls WI
http://www.feelgoodfestival.org/ - Feel Good Festival in Amherst WI
http://www.newmexico.org/calendar/events/index.php?com=detail&eID=8899&year=2009&month=07 - July Jamboree, Cloudcroft NM
http://www.somemountainjam.com/ - Hartsel, CO
Pauly: Well much success Lauryn, keep striving!
NEXT ARTIST: Amy Saffner “Modern Day Art Movement” Part 2 of 3…
Read also
That’s known that money makes people free. But what to do when somebody does not have money? The one way only is to get the loan or just collateral loan.
Paolo, I loved your piece on Lauryn I could really feel your Art Background you know I loved it, oh yea, the writing was that good too. ha!ha! Love Mommy