An Inviting Conversation with Dan Lam
Photo Credit: Benjanmin Youd
Dan Lam is a contemporary artist and social media Influencer; based in Texas, US. Lam’s sculptural work expresses and plays with sensational dichotomies by combining unconventional materials, organic forms, and bright colors. With contrasting themes verging on beauty and grotesqueness at once, Lam’s art provokes its viewers to ponder meaning and existence while inspiring feelings of familiarity and wonder. Curiosity, play, and fun are the foundation of where Lam’s work begins. Her experimentation results in beautiful sculptures created with various materials such as foams, polyurethanes, resins, acrylics, and polymers, which defines her style. She has exhibited worldwide, and celebrity clients include Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato, The Game, and Lily Aldridge. Notable art collectors like the Tisch family have acquired her work. In addition, Lam has collaborated with prominent companies, including Facebook and Virgin, and renowned art producer Meow Wolf. Her pieces have been featured in Architectural Digest, Travel and Leisure, and Forbes, amongst many other international media outlets. Her most recent exhibit was at the Chefas Gallery in Portland, OR, which opened July 7th of this year.
I had the pleasure of asking Dan about the impact of social media and how she creates art, what was an important lesson she learned why getting her MFA, and so much more.
UZOMAH: How do you use nature as inspiration for your sculptures?
DAN: From simply enjoying nature on a hike to actively observing it on a micro and macro scale, it inspires my art. I love exploring areas like the American Southwest, where you can see the passage of time in geological features. I take these experiences and incorporate them into my art. Recently, I've been fascinated by Turing patterns which occur all over the natural world.
Beyond Reality exhibit at the McNay Art Museum show
U: How has the appeal you have gathered from social media impacted how you create art?
D: The support, encouragement, and excitement I receive from others are incredibly impactful, especially when it comes to my large-scale sculptures and installations. It makes me happy to know that my work is appreciated by others. In addition, social media has provided me with great exposure and opportunities to advance my career.
Photo Credit: Justin Clemons
U: What important lesson did you learn about being an artist while getting your MFA?
D: To follow your intuition and believe in what you're making. To learn the rules and then break them if you feel like it!
U: Your color choices are vibrant and breathtaking. Can you describe how you chose the color scheme for each sculpture?
D: I am most interested in gradients and their varying saturations. I choose colors based on the overall shape and size of the sculpture, implementing color theory to achieve desired effects. In my most recent pieces, I've been pairing complementary colors together to create visual contrast and vibration.
U: What does a typical day in the studio look like for you?
D: I am usually at the studio from 2 pm to 11 pm. During the first couple of hours, I focus on checking emails and meetings. When I have a specific project or show, I prioritize meeting deadlines. However, my schedule is more flexible when I don't have a specific project. I allow myself the freedom to experiment, play, and sometimes just read, write, or research materials.
Photo Credit: Justin Clemons
U: What are some real-life situations that have inspired you to create?
D: Attending art events, taking breaks, spending time in nature, reflecting, and connecting with other artists inspire me. Life is a constant source of inspiration.
Photo Courtesy of Meow Wolf
U: What’s the most crucial part of an artist's work?
D: I think it is simply to create without judgment. Don't worry about others' opinions. If you like it, that's all that matters. It's a bonus if others connect with it.
For more information about Dan’s artwork, please visit her site, and follow her on Instagram.
