Spotlight on artist Lena Osman
Lena work on an ink painting
Hannah Foster, our Art Employment Coordinator, sat down with artist Lena Osman in our studio in St. Paul for a short interview about her artistic practice. Enjoy!
Lena was mid-brush stroke on an abstract ink painting as I approached her workspace. She enthusiastically announced, “I like black!” as I glanced down at the dark cloud-like shapes reminiscent of a Rorschach test with hints of magenta peeking through. In typical Lena fashion, she cheerfully agreed to an interview about her art, process, and thoughts on making.
Lena, why do you make art?
Because I used to make art, so I keep doing it. I want to show people what I make.
What types of art do you do?
Collage, ink, drawings, paintings.
When did you begin making art, and what inspires you to continue?
When I was younger. I don’t remember the age. My grandfather passed away. My mom and my aide Alyssa gave me art tools.
Do you have feelings you associate with your art?
Happy and also sad.
What subject matter do you like to put in your art and what are your thoughts while you’re creating? Movement. Animals. I’m thinking of people. They make me happy.
What do you feel like are you biggest challenges as an artist?
Asking for support is challenging for me both here [at MSS] and at home. I have to practice patience when I paint at home.
When people view your art, what do you want them to experience or think about?
I want to inspire them to make art.
What type of art do you like to look at?
Landscapes, portraits. They inspire me to make more things.
What do you see yourself as other than an artist?
That’s a difficult question.
What is your favorite food?
Chicken curry!
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your art?
I want to sell more of my art. I went to see my art in the Banfill-Locke [Center for the Arts] exhibit last weekend. I feel excited and worried. I’m worried people won’t buy my art.
Do you have any future projects you’d like to tell me about?
I want to make another style of art. Colors and shapes – that’s something I want to work on.