We recently connected with Lana Hickman and have shared our conversation below.

Lana, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

One of the best projects I have ever done took place on Orcas Island,WA. At that time I have been working for The Funhouse Creative Commons. I decorated an enormous barn for the gala. I made large colorful metallic paper animal sculptures. The gala participants told me that coming in they walked into a myth, a fairy tale, a primeval forest full of wonder..Later on there were decorative projects as well, when I created paper villages for The Habitat for Humanity fundraising. Yet, somehow, they had to be on a smaller scale.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a studio work and book illustration trained artist originally from Belarus. I visited and lived in the UK, Germany and Canada. My work has it’s fans in France. Therefore I am worldly, yet a US citizen for 23 years. I am also a biochemist. I love life and it’s life forms. You can learn more about my art from the 5 books I sell on Amazon, just Google Lana Hickman books on Amazon. I worked with children as an art teacher for 2 decades.. My services include creating a unique illustrated book, a well structured art curriculum and informal photo portraits.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I and my husband lived and breathed art for 19 years.. After 8 years of illness my husband died. It was 10 years ago. Art was the only way to journey through the grief.. I have done my best work using pain as fuel. It resulted in A Wordless Book of Perilous Adventures. It’s not on Amazon for sale. Yet, so many people could relate to every image, every page. I consider that all of the acrylic on birch plywood paintings which were used to illustrate it have been pivotal for me and my life.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

The society should be keenly aware that humanity doesn’t have any history but an art history because what we know about the progress of our species we know from the record left by the artists. Art is also a source of healing, both mental and physical and a shortcut for the breakthrough in sciences. Art is not a frivolous activity. If there is no art you’ll have nothing to wear! The whole world is in need of the artists employed and working.. Italy and France subsidize art and design as relevant to these countries international image.

Contact Info:

• Other: My email: [email protected], phone 360-317-5473. Mailing address: 3312 Oakes Ave., Anacortes, WA 98221. My books are on Amazon

Image Credits

Lana Hickman