Get To Know… Lucinda Penn
A deep dive into all things ‘arts and ents’.
Words & image Indigo James
Local mural artist Lucinda Penn wants to splash vibrancy all around the world, from Adelaide to the streets of Berlin. Symbols often feature in her artworks, encouraging people to engage with their own interpretations. Lucinda thrives on involving community in her creative process, allowing everyone to have access to the power of art. This is why she believes the chance to paint in public shouldn’t be taken lightly – she views it as a privilege to contribute to the way people experience life in these spaces, allowing us all to connect with art.
Tell us about your practice. What do you do?
I work between large scale murals to smaller digital illustrations. My work is about trying to break down life into little stories – pulling it apart into simple symbols, then deconstructing and reconstructing them.
What are your earliest memories of making art?
I was always encouraged to be creative. I think my earliest memory is of a little easel at my grandparents’ house where I lived when I was quite young. One side was chalk and the other side had paper clipped on it, which I would paint or draw on. My granny would be in the kitchen and I’d be there drawing.
What is one of your favourite pieces you’ve created?
The murals [I painted last year] in Spain and Berlin are favourites because of the location, but also because I had freedom to paint what I wanted and to involve locals. [That, or] My solo exhibition, Handle, was my most experimental project. My friend saved 12 kitchen cupboard doors from demolition for me (he knew I liked to paint on weird surfaces), and I painted each. I really enjoyed the process because I like to repurpose materials. In the artworks, I explored the concepts of a thought, a feeling or a thing that helps you ‘handle’ life better.
What are you most excited about working on right now?
I recently submitted a Carclew grant application to paint a mural in India. In high school, I had the opportunity to volunteer there and help people of all sorts of abilities: elderly, people in rural locations, HIV positive children and people with disabilities. The trip impacted who I am today and I think it’s the reason that a community focus comes through in my public art. I’ve been trying to find a way to return to India to paint a mural with the new generation of young teenagers, so I’m excited about the prospect of undertaking this meaningful project.
Any advice for other artists?
If you have ideas, put them out there. Hold yourself accountable to keep trying. Imposter syndrome is such a big thing in this industry but don’t let it stop you. Have faith in your creativity – you never know where it’s going to take you. My younger self would be so proud to see where it’s led me. So, do it for your inner child!
Keep up to date with everything Lucinia Penn is working on via @lcnd_.
