We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lynaea Russom. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lynaea below.

Hi Lynaea, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

In a post graduation world, art opportunities have been difficult to find. Early Career artists, both inside of school and out, often are not eligible for most opportunities. In my undergrad career, I always was and always have been a pusher. I like to follow the notion that ‘if someone has no job posting, I will tell them I am applying.’ A bit of a hot-headed approach, but it has gotten me so many things. I emailed about fifty galleries in a hundred mile radius of me with my portfolio and my interest in making connections. To my luck, I heard one yes out of all of them. This connection has been extremely beautiful and has allowed me to curate and host my own shows. I encourage young artists to be as brash as you can with your practice. Luck is half of it, if you don’t work hard and really want it, chances are you will not get it.

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

I (Lynaea, she/they), am a Spring 2024 graduate from MCAD with a BFA in Drawing/Painting and a minor in Print Paper Book. I’ve always been a designer at heart (though a little rusty at times) and have been deeply interested in paper mache sculpture as of late. My work as a Queer woman revolves around several themes, always encapsulating the awkwardness of coming out as an adult. Drawing inspiration from Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein, the titles of sculptures by Alice Aycock, and poetic themes in everyday life, I take inspiration from the privilege to be alive. I wouldn’t have been able to purse being an artist full time if it wasn’t for the financial and emotional support of my parents, Michael and Brenda, my sister Rachel, and my grandmother Margaret. I am proud that I am doing what I do and not seeing no as a closed door. I am proud that I can be in such a wonderful community of Queer artists and that we can uplift each other through our work. I am very proud to be a Queer woman and even prouder that no one can take that from me.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My goal as an artist is to have creating be my full time job. I want to have a lot of money as an artist so I don’t have a lot of money, by giving it back to the people who supported me along the way. I would love to have a gallery setup like Hair+Nails gallery where the house next to yours is an art gallery. I have always dreamed of hosting my own gallery, having artist residencies, and giving back to early career artists. I want to be in a position where I can support my community and still do very exciting art things for myself!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding thing about being an artist is being in a place where I can give other artists opportunities. I have a show coming up in June and I am contracting some exciting artists to be my photographers. I cannot wait to see where I go as an artist and I hope to be able to contract all of my beloved artist friends to work with me (for a competitive wage of course!)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lynaear.myportfolio.com
• Instagram: lyn.aea

Image Credits

All images are work by myself