Fine Art
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LINDA LOUIS
New York-Based Fine Artist
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Fam*ly of Humans Installation
© Linda Louis
© Linda Louis
Linda discusses the inspiration behind her work.
The Fam*ly of Humans series is unique, drawing the viewer's attention to stark differences in facial expression and physical characteristics. Yet each of the portraits has been given equal attention.
My inspiration stems from a desire to illustrate life’s experiences from a variety of vantage points. Almost everyone is invested in living. While basic human necessities are food, clothing and shelter, fulfillment of underlying aspirations and emotional needs is every bit as essential.
My only sibling, a brother with many challenges, exposed me to the longings and hopes of those who see themselves as marginalized. ‘Fam*ly of Humans’ promotes the principle of worth and opportunity where, despite obvious differences, all are afforded respect.
The Fam*ly of Humans portraits aim to illustrate how each human is connected to all others and is thus entitled to equal and respected membership in the fam*ly where, regardless of obvious differences, there is no exclusivity. (famlyofhumans.com)
The Fam*ly of Humans series is unique, drawing the viewer's attention to stark differences in facial expression and physical characteristics. Yet each of the portraits has been given equal attention.
My inspiration stems from a desire to illustrate life’s experiences from a variety of vantage points. Almost everyone is invested in living. While basic human necessities are food, clothing and shelter, fulfillment of underlying aspirations and emotional needs is every bit as essential.
My only sibling, a brother with many challenges, exposed me to the longings and hopes of those who see themselves as marginalized. ‘Fam*ly of Humans’ promotes the principle of worth and opportunity where, despite obvious differences, all are afforded respect.
The Fam*ly of Humans portraits aim to illustrate how each human is connected to all others and is thus entitled to equal and respected membership in the fam*ly where, regardless of obvious differences, there is no exclusivity. (famlyofhumans.com)
Ahmed
© Linda Louis |
Paco
© Linda Louis |
Mikey
© Linda Louis |
Isabel
© Linda Louis |
Melody
© Linda Louis |
Raj
© Linda Louis |
"I am especially grateful to have created ‘Fam*ly of Humans,’ my dear imaginary people, and my other face series. It is a privilege to bring their messages into the world." ~ Linda Louis
Earthkins
© Linda Louis |
Warrior Woman Tzarita
© Linda Louis |
You have other face series as well. Any thoughts on those?
Earthkins is one of nine suites of work centered on the face, an 88-piece series of bas relief sculptures inspired by faces of children I encountered through my long involvement with challenged youngsters.
'Earthkins' depict smiling, wistful sprites. One face openly beams, another has a shy secret. The eyes show happiness but their souls appear locked away. Earthkins are reminiscent of treasured playthings of long ago, such as doll heads made of dried apples or carved wood. They seem to crave attention.
With 'Warrior Woman,' I delve into a spiritual space, presenting the ambitions and achievements of twenty-three specific ‘Any Woman’ and ‘Every Woman’ - in essence, representations of all womankind. The meaning of success is different for each individual and comes in many forms to the women of Warrior Woman International. Traditional and non-traditional accomplishments and the imperative to reach a goal, in many cases, is specific to their place of origin. Every story is unique in this series.
'Earthkins' depict smiling, wistful sprites. One face openly beams, another has a shy secret. The eyes show happiness but their souls appear locked away. Earthkins are reminiscent of treasured playthings of long ago, such as doll heads made of dried apples or carved wood. They seem to crave attention.
With 'Warrior Woman,' I delve into a spiritual space, presenting the ambitions and achievements of twenty-three specific ‘Any Woman’ and ‘Every Woman’ - in essence, representations of all womankind. The meaning of success is different for each individual and comes in many forms to the women of Warrior Woman International. Traditional and non-traditional accomplishments and the imperative to reach a goal, in many cases, is specific to their place of origin. Every story is unique in this series.
Souls #13
© Linda Louis |
Selfies and Souls are caricatures of imaginary people having fun. They elicit a smile or giggle. They do not like to be called mischief-makers; although, they are surely goblins and leprechauns from a dreamworld.
The special joy for me in my work is when the outcome begins to take on a life of its own - in a sense, similar to the shock and delight Geppetto experienced when Pinocchio became a real boy. My work is done in multiples because there is always another Earthkin to share a winsome grin, another Warrior Woman to undertake self-actualization, one more Selfie to ‘smile for the camera’. Once I start on a theme it begs to be pursued until the ultimate last drop has been squeezed out. |
Where do you find sanctuary?
Like a soft bed when I needed to be comforted and lulled into a place just the other side of consciousness, my inner life has always been a refuge; and art has always been the place to which I retreat.
Growing up with a severely challenged brother, I endured the conflicting deficit of ‘the less needy one.’ Left alone much of the time to entertain myself, I constructed art in my head.
Sanctuary for me is fulfillment and the feeling that I have done something worthwhile.
Like a soft bed when I needed to be comforted and lulled into a place just the other side of consciousness, my inner life has always been a refuge; and art has always been the place to which I retreat.
Growing up with a severely challenged brother, I endured the conflicting deficit of ‘the less needy one.’ Left alone much of the time to entertain myself, I constructed art in my head.
Sanctuary for me is fulfillment and the feeling that I have done something worthwhile.
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Linda Louis is a New York-based, award-winning artist, art consultant, art juror and curator whose work has appeared in the New York Times and other high-profile publications and has been shown in galleries throughout New York City and the Greater Metro Area.
Linda has served as a director and exhibition chair of the Huntington Arts Council and as a Director and Curator of Art After Dark at the Art League of Long Island. She taught art marketing at Hofstra University and has served as Art Coordinator for New York and New Jersey YMCAs, where she taught Asian children and adults (through an interpreter). Linda was honored by New York as a ‘Groundbreaking Woman’ for her contribution to the field of art. Linda’s ‘Earthkins’ series was featured by the National Endowment for the Arts for the organization’s 50th Anniversary. Her Fam*ly of Humans Series and accompanying 1500-word essay received international acclaim and recognition in the online and print publication ROOM - A Sketchbook for Analytic Action. Linda’s 21-foot Fam*ly of Humans Installation Triptych was awarded special honors by Brooklyn Museum. Fam*ly of Humans is currently receiving widespread recognition for its message of respect without discrimination via billboard display. Linda received a B.A. from Adelphi University in Garden City, NY and an MFA from Parsons-New School in New York City. |
Photo Courtesy: Linda Louis
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Learn more about Linda's PROCESS in creating her Fam*ly of Humans series.
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