AS IS | Lulu Duflos

Artist

From Paris, France

Based in Lyon, France

We interviewed absolutely fascinating Lulu Duflos about her art journey, nature of the inspiration, tips for beginners of the creative field, some priceless books to explore, questions to ask, angle to see, and many more

A: Please, tell us a bit more about yourself. What brought you into art?

L: Fashion. I grew up in an environment surrounded by women, all very creative, aesthetes, and quite keen on doing handcrafted things. There was always a touch of fancy, a touch of excitement floating in the air. Being the youngest of the family, I was in the middle of this atmosphere. I was nurtured by all this, and I was drawing endlessly. I have always drawn a lot, I thought I would become a fashion designer. Actually, I have always observed the wide variety and complexity of women's feelings.

A: What inspires you the most?

L: Colors, Design, Nature and, of course, Women. Regarding women, I am very much interested in the blend of their sensitivity and their strength, the fact that they express both delicacy and power together. I also like their innocence as long as it is a reflection of authenticity. My work explores their very inner life and is quite intimate. However, it is important to me that my work remains radiant and joyful.

A: Do you have any specific rituals while working (creating)?

L: I start with my coffee ;-) Then I turn on the radio and put on some music. When I’m in the flow, I listen to Brazilian music or Reggae mostly. Bob Marley, Nina Simone, and Clara Nunes regularly enter my studio ;-) I need to be driven by music, I like it when the music gets to my mood and fills it with joy and agility.

A: What would you recommend to someone new to art (an artist or just an admirer), what to begin with?

L: I would recommend putting oneself in a listening mood: it's important to feel and welcome things. To observe and open both your eyes and your soul. Then there is the hard work and the tenacity. You have to trust yourself, trust your instincts, your intuition, and be willing to rely sometimes on the unexpected or small surprises that come out of it and can lead to new directions. To someone who is new to the work of an artist, I would advise seeking to understand his personality, his approach, his history. This gives meaning to the work, which makes it even more unique and interesting.

A: Your top 3 adjectives related to art?

L: For me, art is eternal. It is intimate. And it is also the result of freedom.

A: The best angle to look at art is from ..?

L: Alone. And with a step back to see the whole artwork first, then enter it, encounter it, and welcome it. For me, the first glance is very important, this is where the first sensations and feelings are blooming; it's a bit like when you meet a person. This is a very short moment, after that the brain sets in motion and the feelings will be reprocessed by the thought.

A: The perfect phrase to start any conversation about art is: ..?

L: The conversation starts mostly with the artwork, I'm not sure we need a phrase.

A: Must-read books to talk about art (or do we even need them)?

L: It is always inspiring to read books and in particular artist biographies, as it allows you to get into their working processes and have a deeper understanding of each artist’s uniqueness. I really loved Gabriële written by Anne et Claire Berest: it tells the story of a woman at the heart of the Arts, music, painting, and writing, at the time of Picabia, Picasso, Duchamps, and Appolinaire, a woman who put her aura and her spirit at the service of great artists and therefore influenced them but chose to stay behind the scene for the love of Arts (and artists ;-)). I was also very interested in how Vassily Kandinsky tackled the question of shapes and colors in Concerning the Spiritual in Art.

A: If you could change one thing in the art world - what would it be?

L: I would like all artists to have a chance.

A: Please, share your favorite quote (not necessarily related to art):

L: "The artist is the hand that, by touching this or that key, sets the soul vibrating automatically" by Vassily Kandinsky.

Sometimes someone will look at a painting and be intimately touched, his soul will vibrate. When that happens, it is a real gift for the artist, the greatest reward and certainly part of his raison d'être.

Thank you!

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