ARTIST STATEMENT
I am an imaginer, exploring both mindspace and dreamspace, and I have a deep yearning for magic in the world. In the studio I play and experiment with materials. I bring chaos in my work by letting my mind wander automatically while I add layer upon layer of imagery, colors, textures and playful markings. I often add cut text to the work to give it another dimension of ambiguous narrative, creating vast opportunities for the viewer to interpret the work in their own way. I aim to create work that feels like a journey, full of hidden gems to discover along the way.
While Lydia’s work does not tend to make obvious social or political statements, she believes in the power of fantasy, absurdity and surrealism to help alternative minds connect to each other and find something unexplainable to resonate with.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Lydia Burris grew up in rural Indiana, and was lucky enough to live in an artistic household that supported her desire to create weird art, climb trees, and make friends with imaginary monsters. As an adult, she constantly yearns to travel, explore, and gain new experiences – whether it be for a job or for personal curiosity. While getting an MAFA in England (2004/2005), she found inspiration in goth nightclubs and punk rock events. When she moved back to the USA, she continued to create fantastical art and showed nationally at a variety of galleries and pop culture conventions where a wide spectrum of creative minds were welcomed. She has curated strange art shows, and organized art events. She taught Studio Art at the Indianapolis Ivy Tech community college from 2013 to 2021 – pushing her students to improve both their skills and their imaginations. In an effort to shake life up she moved to Chicago, became a deckhand on a partyboat for 2 summers and went back to the other side of the easel to model for art classes, a noble and vibrant profession in the nude. She is currently exploring new materials and taking time to really get to know her new fabulous city and the amazing people that live in it.
© Lydia Burris