David Lovejoy
Los Angeles, CA
Age 62
What keeps you excited in the studio?
Wondering what a thing would look like, then making the thing to see if I was right. I enjoy the problem solving in my work.
Looking back at your trajectory as an artist, how would you say your work has developed?
I was fortunate to have good teachers and mentors, and opportunities which took me out of my comfort zone. I’ve become more comfortable and confident doing whatever I want, using whatever media is available. I have made some monumental and impactful work, so I don’t feel I have anything to prove. I’ve likely made my masterpiece, so I can just have fun.
What role do you think the artist has in today’s society?
This question is one of the reasons I identify as a craftsman rather than an artist. A craftsman’s role is to make things well.
What’s the most important advice you could give to an aspiring artist?
Volunteer. Find an artist you admire and seek opportunities to work for them or with them. Listen to all criticism, good or bad, and consider if/how it applies. Then dismiss it all.
Does age matter in art? Why or why not?
Age has the benefit of experience and attrition. Keep doing your own thing long enough, you become the best at it. Good art and bad art are both made at every age.
What can we look forward to from you next?
I’m going to be devoting the next few seasons to The Makery, a multi-discipline art studio in Little Tokyo I co-founded a couple of years ago. I’d pulled away for some family health issues, and owe it some focus.
Is there anything else you would like to share about being an artist later in life?
Your artist friends get cooler.
Lovejoyart.com
@lalovejoyart
