Artist Spotlight: Lola Loveday

As a Kamloops-born artist, Lola Loveday has been in constant creation mode at TWU, making art that explores themes of feminism and gender equality. Whether it is 3 p.m. or 3 a.m., you can usually find Lola in the studio, surrounded by paint, ink or graphite. Her dedication to her art is inspiring, and it is clear that she is passionate about what she does. And with a name like Lola Loveday, you cannot help but expect something special. Who knows—you might just see Lola’s name popping up in exhibitions around Vancouver in the years to come. For now, you can find Lola in the studio, hyper-focused on her next project.  

MH: Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you became interested in art? 

LL: I have been doing art for basically my entire life. I do not really have a memory when I am not working or doing stuff with my hands. I did art classes in high school and a few art camps when I was younger. My high school organized art classes in a unique way, with different mediums like drawing, painting and clay all in one class. I think this helped me master a little bit of everything early on. 

MH: You have done many paintings here at TWU. Can you tell us about what draws you to painting? 

LL: I have always loved painting. I think it is because I can express myself in a way that feels very natural to me. Last year, I did a painting about connection among women, and it was really interesting to explore the idea of “girl code” and the unspoken rules that govern how women interact with each other. 

MH: Your artwork often explores themes of feminism and gender. Can you talk a bit about what inspires these themes in your work? 

LL: I have always been aware of how women are treated, and I think that is because I grew up with a single father and saw how he was affected by being in spaces that were traditionally dominated by women. I have also been friends with people who do not conform to traditional gender norms, which has made me more aware of the issues that women face. Art has always been an outlet for me to process these thoughts. 

MH: What advice would you give to someone who is interested in pursuing art but may be hesitant or unsure of where to start? 

LL: I would say just do it. Art is a skill that can be learned, and the only way to get better is to keep practicing. Do not be afraid to try new things and make mistakes—that is all part of the process. Personally, I find myself more scared of ruining the expensive supplies that I work with. If I had unlimited access to all the materials I needed, I would be unstoppable. 

MH: Since you are in constant creation mode as an art and design major, do you spend the majority of your time in the studio? 

LL: In my first year, I did everything in my dorm. During my second year, I got much more comfortable working in the studio. Now that I am a studio assistant, I spend even more time there. It is a fantastic resource, and I recommend every art student to take advantage of the space. When there is no one there, you can blast music, and when there are people around, it is a great way to get free feedback on your work. It truly is an amazing community we have within the arts at TWU.  

MH: What about life after TWU? What are your plans after graduation? 

LL: I am not entirely sure yet, but I think I would like to become an independent artist and make a living from my art. I am also interested in exploring different mediums and techniques, like sculpting and working with mylar. Mylar, in particular, stands out to me. It is a type of plastic sheet that can be used to create really interesting effects.  

MH: What will motivate you to push past any challenges you may face as an independent artist, and do you think your unique name and style will contribute to your success?  

LL: I know this will not be an easy path; however, I have always been drawn to the idea of being an artist. Because I value freedom and autonomy, I want to be able to create work that is true to myself. My name, Lola Loveday, is definitely memorable. While it may stand out in the art world, I believe my art should speak for itself.

I am more than willing to put in the hard work necessary to make a name for myself as an artist.  

MH: Is there anything else you would like to share with the readers? 

LL: I really want to get across to people that art is a skill, as I mentioned earlier, and it is something you can learn. Even for people who think they cannot even draw a stick man, you can do so much more than you think. You just have to have the audacity to try. So get out there and make something; it does not have to be good. I guarantee you will make at least 10 bad pieces of art before you make something decent.