Artists We Love: Lisa Wakelin

WORDS Michaela Stehr IMAGES courtesy of Lisa Wakelin

Cape Town-based artist Lisa Wakelin creates ethereal beings that seem to straddle between the cosmic realm and our own. She gives us the inside scoop on how these mystical beings are conceived and what inspired her latest exhibition “The Collector”, currently on at Artist Admin.

How did you get into creating art?

I think like most probably from an early age, anything tactile or immersive I would get stuck into. Watching movies like Fantasia on repeat. I remember when we were little, my younger brother and cousins got Lego for presents but never knowing how to put them together, I would sit with them constructing and loving that immersive aspect of play and tinkering. My Gran also taught me many skills early on using her beloved Bernina sewing machine. From there everything bloomed, from illustration, sewing, painting, sculptural work, and working with natural pigments – this always ignites my mind the colours you can get from nature are so incredible. I don’t think I necessarily have “one” style or medium, to which I stick too, as so many mediums show me each a new interest, this may be a curse for constant creative curiosity. 

What mediums do you prefer using?

For sculptural work, clay- a specific clay I found from Japan is what I use now, it’s extremely malleable and light, making working a dream, soft pastels, rose and alpaca fibre and various found materials which I dye using natural pigments. Anything illustration-based, good quality pigmented pencils, ink and for digital works Procreate- if that even is a medium? 

How did your unique style develop?

Probably from a project I did in art school where we had to make our own puppet, that opened a whole new set of doorways I did not know existed. And just to let the process flow, sometimes I have a rough idea of what I would like to produce, other times- most of the time, I will let the process work in its own way and be guided in that sense. I think I have also learnt over the years to trust my skillset and just enjoy and settle my style for what it might be at the time- let it come out naturally. 

Do you have a piece that stands out for you?

My current piece for which the exhibition is titled, “The Creator”, stands out for me.

I spoke earlier about sometimes I have an idea for a work, well with her I just knew exactly what to do, it was strangely wonderful as most times I work in the moment, but for this piece, it all just came out from my mind to being and a strong cathartic attachment with each step and stitch. She is also the biggest I have worked with, and that also is a new and welcoming challenge. 

Do you prefer commissions or your personal creations?

Gosh, I would have to say somewhere in the middle, I love the ideas of others and getting a peak into their mindset and helping bring that into being. I also just totally enjoy my process of creating and getting stuck into it, so I would have to say a little sandwich of in-between. 

What is the process for making artwork?

At times I will have a rough idea in mind, and get references or sketch it out a bit, sometimes I will have no idea at all and just let it come in. When working with clay I start with the face and see whose hiding in there, from there I will create a body, each different in size, shape and medium used and finally finish off each piece with an outfit hand tailored to each one.  

Where do you look to get inspired for your works?

Predominantly natural elements, taking my dogs up the mountain for daily walks and watching the seasonal shifts and how it visually blooms, in such a variety of colours and shapes, is a huge inspiration, I can never get over it and am in constant awe. 

Others would be old illustrated fairy-tale books from authors such as John Bauer and Kay Nielsen. I love old animations too, how movement can add such life to works.

What was the concept behind your latest exhibition?

For years I collected found insects, keeping them in little boxes. In an area of soft sleep and awake I saw this idea of using the insects and there would be a keeper of them and their little departed souls- and this is how “The Collector” came to be, a maternal spiritual figure helping guide and care from one realm or space to another. 

Are any local artists on your radar?

Ah I think we have such a wonderful plethora of local talent, it’s stunning. I could have a huge list but off the top of my head right now: Kim Bischofberger, Georgia Munnik, Jo Roets, Amy Rusch, Motelseven, Kevin Brand and Ellena Lourens.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Morning walk with the dogs, sometimes if it’s a very early one with a special friend/s we love watching the city slowly wake up. Get ready for the day, and head to my day job. If any industry work has come in, I will work on that where I can. Illustrate or sculpt/stitch any ideas that have come in. Each day is different though some can be filled with a full burst of creative energy and others would just be mountain walks, enjoying soft friendships moments, others could be a totally “off” day but that’s ok too – we need balance. But I’ve learnt- well still learning that just to go easy and welcome yourself into yourself and hold a special space for that.

What are your plans for the upcoming months?

I would love to explore stop motion animation a bit and see where that could lead, something about movement and bringing something still into a moving world has always held a big fascination within me. Otherwise more creating, more exploring, and more welcoming in new projects.  

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