On the Considering Art podcast, host Bob Chaundy sat down with Lucinda Dilworth, a digital artist whose innovative work merges traditional painting techniques with advanced projection mapping and animation. A former elite skier turned artist, Lucinda brings a unique perspective to the intersection of art, technology, and societal themes, notably inspired by George Orwell's 1984. Below is an engaging overview of their discussion:
From Athens to Art:
Lucinda was born in Athens to a Greek mother and an English father. A childhood spent painting alongside her grandmother, who pursued art later in life, instilled an early love for creativity. While Lucinda initially focused on skiing, representing the UK in competitive alpine races, her passion for art never faded.
A Journey Through Skiing and Academia:
Lucinda balanced her artistic aspirations with an elite skiing career, which influenced her creative process. Videos from her skiing adventures inspired her early animations. Later, she pursued a degree in Business Entrepreneurship at the University of Colorado, where a minor in art reignited her passion for blending artistic and technological mediums.
Projection Mapping and Augmented Reality:
Lucinda uses projection mapping to animate static paintings, turning surfaces like canvases or buildings into dynamic experiences. She described the process as "like being a DJ for visuals," manipulating animations in real time to add depth and movement. Her work also incorporates augmented reality (AR), allowing viewers to experience hidden dimensions of her pieces through QR codes.
AI as a Creative Assistant:
Lucinda leverages artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool for efficiency and innovation, using it to refine animations and explore new creative directions. She emphasized that AI complements her creative process rather than replacing it, saying, "AI surprises open your mind to new possibilities."
Themes Inspired by Orwell's 1984:
Her work delves into surveillance, control, and societal manipulation. In pieces like Hidden and Awakening, Lucinda uses symbolic imagery to reflect modern issues, such as the pervasive influence of big tech and the manipulation of reality.
A Feminist Perspective:
Lucinda's Artificial Impression exhibition also touches on gender issues, particularly societal pressures on women. A former athlete herself, she channels her struggles with body image into works like Digital Bloom, which examines identity and self-expression in a digital age.
Collaboration and Community:
Lucinda frequently collaborates with other artists, such as Andrew Gow and James Grossman, adding motion graphics to their creations to enhance their impact. She hopes to expand these partnerships and make projection mapping more accessible for everyday audiences.
The Future of Digital Art:
Lucinda views digital art as the next phase in artistic evolution. While acknowledging sceptics, she believes technological advancements and increasing accessibility will drive its growth. Her work reflects a desire to challenge conventions and push boundaries.
Kei London is proud to represent Lucinda Dilworth, a dynamic artist redefining the boundaries of traditional and digital art. A rising star in the art world, Lucinda merges her expertise in painting with cutting-edge technologies like projection mapping, augmented reality (AR), and artificial intelligence (AI). Her works tackle timely themes such as surveillance, control, and identity, offering audiences a thought-provoking exploration of our modern world.
Key Highlights:
- A Unique Journey: Transitioning from elite skier to artist, Lucinda integrates her experiences into her creative vision.
- Innovative Techniques: Projection mapping, augmented reality, and AI play a central role in bringing her art to life.
- Social Commentary: Themes of surveillance, control, and societal pressures inform her work, inspired by Orwell's 1984.
- Feminist Lens: Her pieces explore identity and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society.
- Collaborative Spirit: Lucinda thrives on partnerships with other artists, expanding the reach and possibilities of digital art.
This thought-provoking episode showcases Lucinda's dynamic approach to creativity, blending traditional techniques with cutting-edge technology to question and redefine the boundaries of art.
