lulu
moonwood murakami is a mixed media artist engaged in creating playful whimsy as
well as personal psychological narratives. Through artistic
self-expression she seeks to bring joy and compassion to our understanding of
the human condition.
Artist
Statement
I have an
insatiable appetite for color, pattern, and texture. I find them irresistible as I take in my
visual and tactile surroundings. Some of
my inspirations include traditional and contemporary folk art, autumn leaves trembling against steel blue skies, overgrown gardens, skeins
of dyed yarn nested in baskets, and traditional ethnic costumes rich in pattern
and adornments. I am overcome with exhilaration
when I see colors dance together and get a delightful shiver down my spine as
my fingers brush over cashmere, spring grass, or plastered walls.
Through
mixed media I am able to bring many of these influences together. I frequently include printed fabrics and
patterned papers along with paints and pencils in my work. I also use found objects as stamps and play
with acrylic gels, plaster, or wax to build up a rich, tactile surface. I use paper clay to sculpt features in my 3 dimensional pieces.
Another
important aspect of my work is its emotional content. My art is frequently my voice for expressing
thoughts and feelings that would otherwise go unspoken. I thank emotionally expressive artists that have gone before me for paving the way. I feel that color, quality of line, and facial expression can convey a lot of emotion. It is my goal to share my feelings, experiences, and empathy to connect with others through my artwork.
Artist Background
Ages 4-12:
·
Mastery of Play Doh and Crayola Crayons
·
One woman variety show in the garage, age 7
·
Startles her 5th Grade teacher Mrs.
Sandifur with a poem and illustration about a drowning victim
·
Star of 6th Grade Musical, Our Fair Ladies
Ages 12-18:
·
Mastery of carving vermiculite in modern style
at Girl Scout camp
·
Begins to sew
·
Spends hours upon hours in her garret, writing
late into the night
·
Studies ceramics and watercolor painting at
Granada Hills High School
·
Creates her first doll, Giaccomo
Ages 18-26:
·
Studies art at UCLA, CSUN, and finally the U of
O
·
BFA Show, 1986: A Walk in the Wood
·
Graduates magna cum laude
Ages 26-36:
·
Commissioned to create an interactive piece for
Dance ’88 at the University of Oregon
·
Frames other people’s art at a frame shop
·
Embarks on ten years of creating art and craft
for the Eugene and Portland Saturday Markets
·
Enters the fast-paced world of modern motherhood
·
Sells work at Art and the Vineyard (Eugene), the
Salem Art Fair & Festival, and other Pacific NW venues in Oregon and Washington.
Ages 36-46:
·
The dark ages
Ages 46-50:
·
Creates the self-portrait that will save her
life: A los ojos de Dios
·
Attends Artfest and Art & Soul
·
Constructs a studio in her bedroom
·
Starts her blog: lulumoon – my muse
·
Gets help to overcome life-long depression
·
Gets over her abusive boyfriend
·
Continues to participate in art community
·
Finds the flow state when working in the studio
Ages
50-present:
·
Finds true love
·
Quits her day job
·
Commits herself to art
·
Shows at the Camas Gallery at Bush Barn, Salem,
Oregon
·
Shows at Evolve Gallery, Portland, Oregon
·
Shows at Cactus Gallery, Eagle Rock, California
·
Wins “Artist of the Year” award for poster entry
to the Washington Assoc. of Bilingual Teachers
·
Shows at the Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts
