Lisa Dea - Full Send Zine

Lisa Dea is an artist based in Manchester (UK). Her work is like the brightest ray of sunshine on the darkest of days. She creates bright, bold pastiches that lift the spirit and cleanse the soul. Lately she’s been edging her way into the musical underground with her flirtatious images all based on the power of the (concentric) circle. Gaia, earth mother and spiritual soothe sayer, it’s time to welcome Lisa into your heart (and soul)…

How are you doing Lisa?

Hello Paul, I’m doing fine. The sun is starting to feel warm at last. It’s so good for the Soul.

What inspired you to be an artist?

I’ve always been creative, a highly creative child, with high grades at school and college to the point I achieved a BTEC in Display and Exhibition Design in 1987. I was a Window Dresser until in 1990 I had a profound experience and before I knew it I commenced my Registered Nurse Training. I left nursing to work in Social Care and on my night duties I started drawing on an old iPad and it grew from there. I then launched my website for digital prints in 2019.

I feel I’ve come full circle.

I am of high sensitivity ( in Jamaica the Rastas call me a Vibes Girl ) and so hence I’m also inspired by the energies that I feel.

How does living in Manchester influence your art or your Irish roots?

I feel blessed to be Mixed Race of which I am a born and bred Mancunian, half Jamaican, strong Irish roots and also South London roots.

It’s probably the reason why my style is very bold.

How would you describe your creative process?

I usually have forms and colours that evolve in my mind. Once in a quiet space, and also a quiet head space I sit with my iPad Pro using the app Procreate and start the flow.

Are there any themes or concepts that hold you?

I love circles and waves but I am always amazed where I go and what I create.

Bold colour too. Colour is magic in my life. I thoroughly love to flow, tuning into the energies. I seem to have a certain abstract style whatever I do from what people tell me.

Are there any artists that have influenced you? Or literature or life experiences?

I have so many, but Keith Haring is my favourite. His simple and bold style hits me every time. I was worried my art was too bold then I thought of Keith and so now keep to my ways. Actually also Keef from the Prodigy. I cried so much when I found out he’d died. His energy was so incredible.

Which materials do you use and why did you settle on those?

My main way to create has been digitally. It does suit my Free Spirit to be able to flow. The amazing range of colours has been part of my process too.

I am also incredibly patient so now diving into physically painting. Such a different vibe.

You’ve produced art and slipmats for dance music producers. Do you think your style has niche in dance music?

Anyone who knows me knows I love my music so to work with Dance Music Producers and their releases has been very much a highlight for me. Also with DJs who use my art for their radio shows or mixes on music platforms.

I was lucky to have thoroughly enjoyed the Manchester scene from 1985 onwards and that so yes, my style does work well with dance music as I love it.

I have worked with many to turn a piece of artwork they have connected with and manipulated it to make it their own. Or they just want the original and with their own digital tools put their own mark on it.

Oh the slipmats have been so much fun and the thought of my artwork gracing someone’s beloved deck/decks always makes me smile.

Is there anyone you’d love to create a cover for and why?

One of my favourite DJs is John Dasilva. Well known for his Hacienda Residency. I think I’d faint if he asked me!

So many amazing Musicians and Producers out there so one with an incredible track that becomes a Summer Anthem and then a total classic that people still love in 30yrs time. How good would that be!

What’s on your playlist?

I don’t do playlists! I just pick music to fit the way I’m feeling. I have this habit when out and about to pick a track that I call a “Rinsa” that I’ll just put on repeat. I seem to find another layer/level to them no matter how many times I listen to it.

Are there opportunities to display your art in Manchester?

I’ve had discussions with an art gallery recently which would be wonderful.

Also talks with people in the council for future utilising my work so hopefully in time I can reach more of a public audience.

What role do you think art plays in modern society?

As I’ve stated earlier I feel colour is magical. Art has the ability to lift people’s spirits, make people think. To brighten the darkest of spaces. So much trouble in the world and in peoples lives that it can only be a good thing.

Do you find art is therapeutic and why?

Absolutely. I was placed on a healing path after a very divine experience and it was giving myself space to heal that my creative energy came back to the surface. Freedom of expression is so important, however way a person chooses to express. To go deep into your own soul, tap into your own inner self allows energy to rise.

How do you stay motivated and inspired to create?

I’m quite lucky that my imagination is always colourfully whirling around like a background app. Quite like default, let’s say. One of mine main issues is life gets in the way!

Do you ever have artists block and how do you get round it?

I’ve had a few small ones and I work through by creating art and those are the ones that are deleted! I am just at the end of a severe one as I went through a fearful 4 weeks at the end of last year which affected me terribly but those forms and colours in my default setting are slowly wanting expression.

Also I find sitting in one my favourite outside spots helps, meditating and journaling to work through the block, demolishing that emotional, psychological wall.

How do you engage with your audience or community with your art?

Mainly online through Social Media but I have found engagement has decreased.

Social Media has changed a lot these last few years but people still really do enjoy my Sunday Instagram stories “ Sun Dea “ I enjoy posting them.

I’m now looking to connect to more real people in the real world as I’m so real.

Do you have a favourite piece or collection you created? If so can you tell us about it?

Yes, I love “Sun Burst” I am a Sun Queen and this piece spoke to me when I was creating it and when it clicked I went Wow. It’s also been one of my customer’s favourites too. I have a fabulous Printer in Manchester who has printers that really make it come alive.

How do you feel about the intersection of technology and art?

Well, technology allowed my creative spark to come back to life so I’m not complaining in that respect. The tech isn’t going anywhere. It’s about the lack spirit and truth that we have to fear. Also I feel I want to connect to people in real life as I don’t want to be seen as a Content Creator on Social Media that someone looks at my art for 5 seconds till the swipe. I create hoping people want a piece of my art in their space to affect them positively each day.

Do you think there’s a danger AI will destroy (or replace) creativity in the future? How do we stop this from happening?

I feel that firstly we are Humans. One of the reasons I am now painting is to create artwork through my own body, using my authentic energy, transferred to a 3D form to be displayed in a physical space. AI is here to stay, it has its place but I think people will still appreciate Human creations.

What do you think viewers take away from experiencing your artwork? Any hidden messages?

I have had so many amazing messages, reviews and chats with people.

Positivity seems to be one aspect that people love. The boldness hits people in a good way. There’s a certain funky, groovy abstract vibe in lots of my artwork too and people love my use of colour.

I’ve been told some of my art can be quite psychedelic. I’m blaming that on my raving days but I love how people see the complete opposite that I see but one of my reasons for creating is to make people think. Expand minds, open minds.

How do you see your art evolving in the future?

I really enjoy creating digitally. I have so many digital creations in my “vault” it’s untrue. I’ve just finished completing my portfolio on Instagram.

I am now at the next stage as I’ve already mentioned is to create in a 3D form through painting but I’m very open minded and I go with the flow so who knows?

I have seriously thought of printing my artwork on to fabric to start a clothing line, that would be amazing, to have people, kids wearing Lisa Dea.

Can you describe a memorable moment or experience related to your artistic journey?

Yes, that moment when I thought WOW! I’ve come full circle from being a creative child/young adult to becoming a nurse and support worker back to being a creative. It took 30yrs. I understand why. I had to go in another direction to burn karma, understand myself, heal and become realised for me to find my own unique voice, expression and style.

If you were a book what would it be?

My favourite book is Deepak Chopras “ A Path to Love” It answered so many questions at a time I needed. I’ve bought so many to give as presents or to people who have started to question…

Now if I was a book it would be very deep, wise but colourful, mystical, fun and lively!

If she was a book it would be very deep, wise, but colourful, mystical, fun and lively! Let's delve into the abstract world of Lisa Dea...