Lo Hennessey is an artist whose work will definitely get you talking. She is interested in incorporating human anatomy and biomechanics in her paintings, utilising her experience with human body dissection and postural analysis as the basis of her artwork. Intrigued? So were we!
We spent some time with her to find out more…
Tell us about the journey that leads you to be an artist…
My journey as an artist began when the COVID-19 quarantine was announced in Boston. At the time, I had just moved in with 2 new roommates, one being a graphic designer/artist and a catalyst for my newfound passion. I had moved back to Massachusetts after leaving a toxic relationship and began therapy to rebuild myself and improve my mental health. After returning to Boston, I worked as a physical therapist with children in the Boston school system, but when the schools closed for COVID-19 precautions, I was then transferred to a nursing home in a lower-income area of Boston, working actively throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This is when I set up an art studio in my apartment, for a hobby and a mental health release, finding that I had quite a knack for painting.
How do you want people to feel when they admire your artwork?
Each piece is intended to evoke a unique feeling or mood, dictated by the events occurring in my life as it was created. Most pieces are vibrant in colour, which I believe will lead to an initial feeling of joy & chaos, but beyond first glance, I intended to provoke further meaning, whether it be intellectual or of a darker emotion.
You incorporate human anatomy and biomechanics into your paintings. Can you tell us more about this?
I studied human anatomy and biomechanics in my undergraduate & graduate work, this became an integral part of my artwork. My career as a physical therapist has been essential in my practice as an artist and has been the foundation of everything I have created.
What do you think makes you stand out from other artists?
My career/education as a physical therapist & deep understanding of the human form has given me the passion & knowledge to succeed as an artist. During graduate school, I had hands-on experience with human dissection, which in addition to postural and movement analysis has been pivotal in my ability to capture the human form.
What’s the process behind creating a new piece of art and who is involved in the process?
My process typically begins impulsively and is always evolving. Most works are imagined and created by only me, but for some works, I’ve had to involve models, which are usually my wonderful and enthusiastic friends.
What advice would you offer anyone who wants to become a full-time artist?
I’m still on my way to achieving this goal, so I guess it’s my go-to motto, ‘Where there’s a will, there’s a way.’ I tell myself this every day.
Looking back since you started, is there anything that you would do differently?
Absolutely not. I feel strongly that my success has happened this way for a reason and without the hardship and disappointments I would never have made it to this point.
Talk us through an average day in your life…
I wake up and give myself a pep talk (“I can do this!!!”). Then. I go to work all day, get home and paint, daydream about what I want to paint next, work out or do basic strength/stretching exercises to maintain back health. At some point in the day I find time for basic human needs like eating, sleeping, and general self-care. Some days are better than others.
Our readers love to travel, what destination is on your must-visit list?
I love national parks. I stayed at the Circle View Guest Ranch in Badlands National Park, which was an amazing experience. As for future destinations, I’m hoping to get to Banff National Park soon.
What does self-care mean to you?
Self-care is what I need to work on massively and an ongoing project. Ideally, self-care is maintaining an active, balanced lifestyle. On my good weeks, it’s boxing 2 times per week, eating healthy meals, staying hydrated, and having regular social connections with family and friends.
What’s your 5-year vision for the brand?
I believe hugely in lifelong learning and no matter where life takes me I hope that 5 years from now I am still taking classes and learning from mentors in different areas of art, science, and business. I hope my brand is ever-evolving and progressing with the times.
Where can people find out more?
You can see more of my art gallery at my website- www.lohennyart.com
I also post about my behind-the-scenes and life journey on my personal instagram @lohennessey and my art Instagram @LoHennyArt
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