Lindsay Overbey
Lindsay Overbey lives and works in Germantown, TN. She received a Bachelors of Fine Art in Painting from The University of Memphis in 2007 and has exhibited across the South. She is a mother of two and creates in her home studio. Having skin cancer as an adolescent gave her an appreciation to see life in rosy hues, while embracing the difficult journey it might take to get there. In this interview, Lindsay enlightens us to her journey as an artist and themes in her work.
How did your creative journey begin?
I’ve been interested in creating for as long as I can remember. One of my favorite things was getting a new box of crayons or colored pencils-the more colors the better. My mom started taking me to art museums at a young age & it really inspired me. Art class was always my favorite growing up. When I was eight, one of my colored pencil drawings was selected to be in the paper and I thought that was the coolest thing ever. When I first started college my major was art education but the more classes I attended, the more I was drawn to my studio practice. It continues to draw me in no matter how much my life changes over the years.
What inspires your work?
I am inspired by color relationships, movement, travel, music, nature and forest bathing. Exploration of the wilderness is an integral part of my studio practice. I appreciate the freedom and fulfillment that being away from civilization offers, much like my studio refuge. I enjoy exploring terrain far away from the city, because in nature I encounter what feels magical about life. I then bring that energy and mindfulness back into my work. I am always looking at shapes, shadows and negative spaces around me throughout the day.
Can you describe your process?
The first thing I always do is turn on music. Music helps me escape and heightens my emotional state which opens my mind up to new ideas and stimulates my creativity. I like to warm up with loose sketches and mark making with a pen in my sketchbook. I sometimes look over ideas I’ve previously written down or write out new thoughts. However, my paintings are never thought out in advance. I work almost solely by intuition and each mark influences the next. Serendipitous discoveries are combined with contemplative marks to create a beautiful whole.
How has your work evolved over time?
I have definitely become more serious in my studio practice over the past few years and devoted more time to it. I’d say the underlying themes and foundation for my work have stayed consistent and repeat sporadically. I worked with textiles and collage a decade ago but have come back to it recently with a fresh perspective. I have also been exploring new mediums like spray paint and heavier bodied texture.
What does a typical creative day look like for you?
It is never the same for me. My studio is in my home so it’s nice to be able to pop in there any chance I get. My favorite time to create is in the morning. I make myself a cup of coffee, get my kids ready for school during the school year or tend to my garden during the summer (grounding by walking barefoot) and then I jump right in. I like to spend at least three hours getting in the “groove” & really allowing ideas to flow. My favorite days are the sunny, warm ones where I can create outside as well. Later in the day I may get out my ipad and work digitally. I like to end the day by peeking in the studio and taking a look at what I accomplished and what my next moves are going to be.
Do you have any words of wisdom for other artists and creatives?
Just be yourself. Make work that inspires and excites you.
