Interview with Gold Coast Artist Lucinda Leveille

Was there a specific moment or event in your life that made you decide to become an artist?  

Childhood, my heart has whispered a singular dream: to become an artist.

Since childhood, I have had a singular dream: to be an artist. My father, an artist himself, nurtured my dream, showing me how to see the world through an artist’s eye.  

Do you have any rituals or habits that help you get into the right mindset for creating art? 

Not at all, although if I am feeling a little deflated, I will troll through the thousands of reference photos I have to find something that piques my interest. 

What aspect of your art practice brings you the most joy? 

Naturally I love it when a piece finds it’s forever home, but the most wonderful thing is when a client gets back in touch and lets me know what a difference the artwork has made to their lives. 

How do you choose the themes for your pieces? 

My themes come from my experiences, sometimes it’s a deJavu moment, smell, emotion, a piece of music that triggers a memory or a visual reminder of something in my life. My work is also about storytelling – each piece has its own story. 

When working on a piece, do you find yourself thinking about your life outside the studio, or do you enter a different mental space?  

When I paint, I’m literally living inside the canvas, experiencing the moment, the emotions; there is always a story in my mind of what is happening. 

How do you know when a piece is finished, or do you ever feel like it’s hard to let go of a Work?   

There comes a time when you just know that one more brush stroke will not make any difference, in fact it might just tip it over the edge into a bad artwork – that's when I know when to stop. I was always fascinated by my mother who physically removed the painting from my father’s easel when she knew he was going too far. 

 What do you consider the most fulfilling aspect of your career as an artist? 

Changing people’s lives – an artwork can make a huge difference to a person’s life – by enriching their space. I received an email from a client who had acquired an artwork, she explained that her daughter was leaving to go to university, and she wanted something that she could take with her to remind her of home. Every afternoon she would walk her dog up a hill behind their home and the piece reminded her of that experience, she was taking something home with her. 

How do you approach art on days when you don’t feel inspired? 

I always remember what Brett Whitely advocated – you treat it like a job – you go to work at 9am and leave at 5pm, the hours are usually far longer for me, but this is your job.  If nothing is coming off your brush, tidy, clean, do bookwork etc, something will eventually inspire you. 

What do you hope to communicate or evoke with your artwork beyond visual aesthetics? 

I aim to illicit an emotional connection. I would like the viewer to weave their own story when contemplating my work. I hope my work helps to create a space where people feel connected, comfortable and at peace. 

What about your art do you feel resonates with people? 

I believe my work appeals to those who are looking for more than just decoration for their walls. There is emotional content in each of my paintings. The narrative that I weave through each artwork is relatable. 

What do you think is the biggest misconception about being an artist? 

Anyone can do it – just pick up a brush and go for it.  It takes training and discipline, and you need to be dedicated. Self-discipline - to work every day without a boss clocking you in and out. There is so much besides being creative – you need technical knowhow and practice (loads of practice) as in any profession. 

What was the most significant turning point in your career as an artist? 

The turning point that changed my art life came when I suddenly was able to paint full time. Finally, I was able to dedicate myself to my art.  

Looking back on your journey, what have you learned about yourself as an artist? 

To believe in myself. And never give up. 

What do you hope to leave behind through your art? 

I would love to leave the world a little happier and more pleasant through having my art in the world. 

What has been the most rewarding part of your career as an artist? 

The joy of sharing my art with collectors and helping other women to pursue their artistic dreams