Today, I had a chat with one of our newest, and most vivacious artists-in-residence, Louis Meehan, although we call her 'Lou'. There is a good reason why she is the first to be interviewed as a part of this new content for Patreon members: because she is super eager to be involved with just about everything XCHC offers. She loves it here, and she loves what she does. Enjoy! ~ Isaac
What is that you do?
'Well, I paint. More specifically, I guess I paint in a visionary surreal type style. It’s a style that is sourced from a spiritual sense, or a form of meditation. Whilst you are relaxed in your meditative state, you trust in the intuitive process to influence your work. I don’t so much focus on subject or style, but what feels like needs to be painted, or be told, or be shared.'
What influenced the current piece that you are working on?
'This is going to be a series, it is kind of a 'star seed' series. It’s an alien spirit or soul that has been sent to this planet with a purpose. This is the descent, and beginning of the series [blue], and this is the first encounter [skin tone]. It will be in rainbow colours, but I start with skin tone to get the lighting right, and will then paint over it with colour.'
Where did you discover this style?
'I use to do a lot of portrait commissions, but I got bored of copying photos and references. So I went out on a limb and began painting from no reference. I then discovered that there was a term for this: Visionary. I looked up some artists that are currently doing this style, and have found a bunch that I am absolutely in love with, such as Aldous Massie. I use them as inspiration.'
How did you come to be involved with XCHC?
'A family friend recommended this place to me. He couldn’t believe that I hadn’t heard of it, and described it as a place where anyone could just come and work on whatever they wanted to. I couldn’t afford a studio then, so I would just sit in the café and paint.'
What other work do you do to support your passion?
'I teach high school art full-time at Hagley College.'
How has XCHC been beneficial to you?
'It has been extremely beneficial! I have a place to do my art now, and have been involved in art projects that I would never have known about. When the COVID lockdown level 2 Koha studios opened, I thought “here’s my chance!” And I swooped in and secured a studio just in time. I’ll absolutely be staying after the Koha rates finish. I know there will be lots of opportunities going into the future.'
If you could add anything to XCHC, what would it be?
'A full-on hostel, so I could just live here and never have to leave! I love the freedom that we have, to do what we want in the building, to begin with.'
What is the next step in your journey?
'I want to focus on my painting. I want to finish this series in the short-term, and make more series in the long-term. Eventually, to just be able to live off my art.'
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