This artist showcase focuses on Lucy Namayanja Agatha’s nature inspired work. If you would like a showcase of your work, please email kdoutsiderart@yahoo.com.
When did your interest in art/creating begin?
I have been creative all my life, with nature and drawing. Although growing up in Uganda I was not exposed to art. I was seeing chaos and order everywhere, despite all, I lived with joy, beauty and peace around me and within my self. I was grounded with nature, but I was also questioning my surroundings, life, death and seeking God.
I then started referencing things to art. Smiles, laughter, dancing, different body shapes, how people moved and spoke. This included animals and plants. I spent a lot of time playing in nature, I used to spend hours observing ants and other insects with their rich colours, how they lived, played and communicated.
When I applied for my first passport, I was asked to state my profession. As I did not have one at the time, having just finished my A levels, I suddenly out of the blue said “Artist”. Little knowing those years later I would be creating art.
What is your starting point for each piece?
The starting point is with myself, my body, the internal, external, nature and the world around me, I also sketch on paper and digital, then I transfer to canvas, using oil paints straight from the tube, later adding found objects and dried insects.
Who/what influences your work?
Myself, inner and outer beauty, my life experiences, children and nature.
What do you hope the viewer gets from your work?
I expect the viewer to see my true self and for them to find them selves in the work as part of humanity.
What do you think about the term outsider art? Is there a term that you think works better?
I think of the term Outsider Art as, ‘One belonging to oneself and fate.’
What are you working on at the moment?
I am working on an art video, painting self-portraits and organising sculptures.
Where do you see your work taking you in the future?
My art takes me in a direction that I cannot foresee other than by following it. The same way I follow the beauty of nature and life, I am glad to be painting now.
To find out more about Lucy’s work, please click here.
KDOA 