From the 17th of November until the 23rd of November, Singulart is organizing a special Winter Flash Sale, featuring 30 artists. For the occasion, artists created 3 exclusive artworks. The artist Laurence de Valmy is one of them. We interviewed her about creativity and her representation of social media.
When did you know you wanted to become an artist?
I started painting when I was about 10 years old, taking lessons in a painter’s studio in London where I was living at the time. Although I have always pursued my artistic practice, I studied economics – my first career was in business. I took my first steps as a professional artist in 2005 while pursuing my career. It was in 2015, following my relocation to the USA, that I decided to take the plunge and devote myself 100% to painting.
How would you describe your art?
I revisit the history of art through the prism of Instagram to share the stories of major works or artists, to show the continuity of art history and the links between artists. It is also an opportunity to highlight the place of social networks, particularly Instagram’s social networks for visual artists.
What would you be if you were not an artist?
In fact, I’ve already had another career! In fact, I really enjoyed my life in a company that used other forms of creativity and I really appreciated teamwork. This experience taught me a lot and it is useful for certain aspects of my current job.
What is your next big project?
The current times are still complicated to do very precise exhibition projects and I am very grateful for the responsiveness of the galleries I work in dealing with the situation.
While waiting to have more visibility for 2021, I am continuing my current series as well as working on a new one, which is still in progress.
What is your favourite piece of art? and who is your favourite artist of all time?
It’s difficult to select just one work because my taste is eclectic, as my work proves! As for the artist, I would say David Hockney because he is talented, scholarly and funny. All I have to do is listen to one of his interviews to make me smile. More recently, I discovered the work of Hilma af Klint which touches me aesthetically and for its spiritual aspect.
What is your creative process?
For the Post series, its conceptual nature means that there is an upstream phase of research and dialogue writing to share the story of the work of an artist. Once this phase is complete, I turn my attention to the material aspect of my work: painting. These two phases are very complementary to immerse myself in the universe of an artist.
Your works highlight social networking sites such as Instagram, what is your relationship to these?
Funnily enough, I wasn’t on any network before I came to the US except LinkedIn. It was to meet other artists that I connected to Facebook and Instagram. They allowed me to build my community, to meet gallery owners I work with today, collectors. I think it’s a great tool to reduce distances.
How do you think social networks influence art today? Is it positive?
I read with great interest the book No Filter on the creation of Instagram. It is interesting to read how it influenced our photography habits: the subjects chosen, the aesthetics, the square format, the filters…
Beyond that, digitalisation, whether via networks or the Internet, makes it possible to democratise access to knowledge and art. Just as photography made it possible to do so at one time. And anything that democratises art is positive.
How do current events in the world influence your art?
My series may well appeal to history, but events inevitably influence me and lead me to consider certain works at certain times. At the beginning of the pandemic, I was as if stuck and I immersed myself in a Keith Haring, Tree of Life which soothed me with its message and its colours. I am also committed to supporting the recognition of women artists, hence my collaboration with Art Girl Rising.
I also echoed the Black Lives Matter movement through a painting by Basquiat… The social issues that preoccupy us today are not new. These works remind us of this.
Can you describe your experience with Singulart?
My collaboration with Singulart was born from a meeting with Marion Sailhen who convinced me by her enthusiasm and professionalism. I have had very good contacts with the team and as a French person, I am delighted that Singulart is an initiative that has met with great success.
What advice would you give to young artists just starting out?
I think the best advice I’ve ever been given is to build your community. You build your path thanks to the people you meet and nowadays, contacts are possible even at a distance. You have to be curious and don’t hesitate to connect!
What motivated you to participate in this winter flash sale?
Singulart invited me to participate and I am delighted to be one of the artists selected for the occasion. It’s a great idea to offer art for the holidays!
Could you describe the works of art you have created for this flash sale?
The three works were conceived as a triptych, even though each canvas can live independently. I wanted to underline the influence of an artist like Hokusai through time and cultures. The link between Japanese art and the impressionists is well known, sometimes a little less so with more recent artists such as Lichtenstein or Murakami. All artists inherit what previous ones have created and then bring their own touch.
It is believed that Picasso expressed, having seeing Lascaux, “We didn’t invent anything”. I share this point of view, we are simply different performers.
