Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lo Lundeen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Lo, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you share a story about the kindest thing someone has done for you and why it mattered so much or was so meaningful to you?
I think it was a group of people that have been kind to me. I moved out to Los Angeles in 2021. We weren’t really sure what was going to happen with theatre in the near future. I got insanely lucky by finding HelMel studios, which is this art gallery off of Melrose and Heliotrope. There have been times over the past year and a half where I have felt so emotional watching other people create their visual art, and sing and perform. From there the ball kept rolling; I became fast friends with different small theatre communities. I’ve met folks just breaking in. Everybody’s so willing to extend a hand a lift each other up. It wasn’t something I was expecting when I graduated and I’m so happy to have had that experience. It’s given me this nerve I hadn’t had before to create my own work unapologetically. I’ve met friends and partnerships who have inspired me to mutually grow with them, and it made that first move so much less isolating.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I grew up as a really creative kid. I’ve loved visual arts as long as I can remember, and after that I got into singing. There was never a huge turning point, I just always had to be making something in one form or another. It’s not possible for me to separate one art form from another, they all intermix and give inspiration.
I moved to L.A. to act, and by circumstance I started working with kids as a musical instructor. It’s been such a wonderful experience for me to encourage play, and find ways to speak with kids that help them grow the way that they want to grow. I would have wanted that encouragement when I was young. I feel like it pushes me to explore when I’m working, I’m becoming a better performer and visual artist, I listen more deeply to myself and I’m more curious with my work.
I’m a queer artist, and I’m still discovering what that means in regards to my creative viewpoint. I’m currently executive producing my first short film They Slay, which is now in Post-Production. We brought on a majority LGBTQ cast and crew. I want to make it a point to create a space that allows queer creatives to excel and experiment with their work. It’s something that I’m so proud to be a part of, and makes me excited for the projects that I’ll be involved with in the future.
I’m happy to say that I’m a working vocal instructor, performer, producer, and painter. It’s a mouthful, but I could never give any of it up.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
You have to fail, multiple times. There’s this hyper fixation that to succeed we have to have this instantaneous “it”. There’s so much work to get the “it”, and holding yourself to a regimen without any room to stumble doesn’t give you any grace. It’s one of the biggest kindnesses you can give to yourself or anybody else pursuing a creative career.
I think there’s a particular vulnerability for artists when your outside of an artistic community. Your milestones are different, as what is considered a “success” can’t be measured by anything.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
When I’m acting and I can see an audience member experiencing a sense memory from a performance. That’s connection- art is meant to open your perspective, and make you think and remember. I’m happy when I get to create that space for people.
Contact Info:
- Website: lolundeen.com
- Instagram: lo_lundeen
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lauren.lundeen.1?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lo-lundeen
- Other: @artonthedownlo follow our short film They Slay at @theyslay_film
Image Credits
Tandem Photos @tandem.photo- personal headshot @mxauricle – Ariana Ngnomire – They Slay production photos @iahbearproductions – Macbeth production photo