Today we’d like to introduce you to N. Lambert.
N.Lambert, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born abroad in a military family but we ultimately settled in a tiny East Texas town where I spent the majority of my youth. Growing up on 20 acres of land allowed for lots of adventures… And lots of dreaming, as it was a bit isolating. My father was a pilot so traveling was an escape. There was art as well. Some of my first memories involve drawing and summer vacations were about keeping myself occupied with art projects. My mom wasn’t the type to drive my siblings and me around town to keep us occupied. I am thankful for that.
Throughout junior and high school I had an amazing art teacher. I always knew that I would pursue something in art. I attended the University of North Texas and studied Communication Design only because it was a practical degree. I knew I was not passionate about it so I tacked Art History as a second degree. Graphic Design did serve as a practical vocation for several years but I ultimately returned to UNT to get a Master’s degree in Art Education. I was much, much more fulfilled being an art teacher because I was working with traditional art media again. During my years of teaching, I began painting at Brookhaven College. I didn’t anticipate returning to grad school but I was told by a professor that he would “kick my butt” if I didn’t apply for an MFA in painting. So, here I am at the University of Dallas. Working on my artwork full time has been life-changing.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Yes and No. I knew that when I was in the applied arts working as a graphic designer that I was not happy. I yearned to get my hands dirty in art material rather than sit behind a computer screen. The pull was palpable but bills needed to be paid. As a teacher, I felt I was a lot closer to what and who I wanted to be but the long work hours didn’t leave much time to paint. My weekends were devoted to painting. Artists are problem-solvers and figure out a way to make it work. Also, I think the universe guides us to where we need to be.
Please tell us about your work.
I am a drawer and painter of the human figure. My work deals with human experience: the inner, subjective one as well as the outer, perceptual one. Lately, I have been moving away from representation and expanding my materials to communicate rather than employing recognizable visual imagery. I am interested in how the material can invoke a visceral response.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I still have a year and a half left of the MFA program. I just completed the MA leg of the journey so I am currently pursuing artist calls and opportunities with galleries. After the MFA? I would love to continue working in the art studio every day from morning to night. I do love and miss teaching. It would also be exciting to pursue an artist residency. So many choices. We shall see!
Contact Info:
- Website: nalambert.com
- Email: nlambertart@gmail.com
- Instagram: n.lambertart
Image Credit:
N. Lambert
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