Today we’d like to introduce you to Lacey Longino.
Lacey, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
As a family we grew up on Lake Rabun in the North Georgia mountains. There, my grandmother, Rosemary taught me how to paint a hydrangea in her garage studio. My other grandmother, Barbara, had her studio in the greenhouse in her back yard. I remember it so vividly. Full of paintings and clippings of inspiration from magazines, books and newspapers. My grandmothers were friends long before my parents got married. They spent summers at the lake living two doors down from one another, both painting and involved in the art community of Atlanta and Lake Rabun. My mother was also always encouraging us to go play outside or create something out of popsicle sticks in our basement that had pink shag carpet. Maybe that’s why I love pink so much, haha. Ever since I can remember I have been surrounded by artists, art, and encouraged to explore my creativity and style.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I am primarily a figurative artist. Oil painting is my first love but recently soft pastels have been inspiring and challenging me in the best way. I used to stage my own photoshoots but now I flip through hundreds of old polaroid’s and photo albums in my parent’s basement. I select about 100 at a time and carry those around with me for a few months. I pick the ones that bring joy to my heart. Certain photos bring a warmth over my heart. It’s about painting the people I love in moments that radiate love.
I paint people I love. Mostly my family members, Lakemont people and occasionally other peoples loved ones. I recently drew my Mother’s best friend’s mother. Nancy’s mom, Mrs. Marguerite Rice, whom passed away not too long ago. In the image her hair is crazy, she’s wearing pjs and her eyes have a twinkle in them that makes you want to know more about her. Even though I did not know this woman personally, I felt as if I knew her after drawing her because I studied every wrinkle around her eye and her soft cheekbones with few freckles. I studied her aged hands, gentle smile and loved the chaos of every strand of her hair. Nancy hung the portrait of her mother in her kitchen and says hello to her every morning with her coffee. THAT is what I love and want people to take away from it. Warmth, comfort and curious of the persons story. I love to portray the good times in a world with so much pain and heartache. I love people, their stories and where they come from. I paint people I love in moments that radiate love.
I love to work large scale. Go big or go home is my motto. For the last year I have been working on a painting that is 25′ x 9′. It is a painting of a backyard party. Full of about 20 people from different times and different photographs, dancing, eating, sleeping, drinking, photographing, and simply living life to the fullest. This is my goal in painting and in life.
I have a background in mural painting and will always hold a special place for large scale figurative painting. It is one of my goals to paint more of them. Most recently I just finished one in the West End at the carwash behind Lean Draft House. Michael Jones, Letter75, selected several artists to come paint a car wash bay. Needless to say, it was so much fun and everyone’s came out marvelously. If you haven’t checked them out, head over!
What would you recommend to an artist new to the city, or to art, in terms of meeting and connecting with other artists and creatives?
Absolutely. It is very important to have a community of artists to communicate with. Going out to art openings is a great way to meet other artists. Atlanta may seem big, but the art community is pretty tight knit. When I graduated college, I attended one art opening a week and within a year I had built great relationships with artists I now call friends. Also, having a studio in a complex where there are lots of different artists working is a great way to meet artists. I resided at the B Complex for 3 years. Here I met lots of artists, learned from them and was inspired though their determination to honestly create. Another way to get involved is to volunteer at the Auctions around town. They are always looking for extra hands and everyone goes to them and participates in them! Hambidge, Art Papers etc. Participating in every way in the art community, being present at openings and having a studio somewhere are great ways to find that sense of community.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
You can see my work online at my website, http://laceylongino.com, my Instagram @laceyclongino, and at occasional group shows throughout the city.
Contact Info:
- Website: laceylongino.com
- Instagram: @laceyclongino
Image Credit:
Jamall Rashard McMillan
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
