Reported by Kai Paine
Y&P recently sat down with the beautiful Charleston-based @theartistSLE to discuss her artistic style (vibrant yet whimsical), sources of inspiration (from Banksy to Drew Barrymore), and her most recent project in which she wears red lipstick for 365 days straight.
(Y&P) Tell me a little bit about your recent red lipstick project.
(s.l.e.) The idea came to me on January 3rd, 2011 (3 days into the new year!) 3 being my favorite number. The red lips started the next morning without knowing 100% what would become of them . . .During this time, I started putting away 25% of my art sales to be given to a charity the following spring after a period of 365 days. The charity was revealed on April 28th, 2011 to be The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation (www.narsad.org) after finding out that 1 in 4 Americans experience a mental health disorder every year (source: National Institute of Mental Health, 2010). The lips represent a positive and passionate voice for those affected by mental illness. It shows dedication to the cause, both research and awareness.
What motivated this project?
Turning 25 last June started a ‘golden year’ for me! (I turned 25 on June 25th, 2010). Being slightly intrigued by numbers and such, the number 25 became a number to follow…Finding the following statistic I knew it was meant to be: 25% of the adult population [in the United States] suffers from mental illness. My research began soon after the lips were painted. I narrowed it down and the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation was finally chosen and then announced on April 28th, 2011, with 250 days remaining for the project. Wanting to make s.l.e. originals more affordable, I set all of my artwork to $250 or less for a period of 250 days (ending the 265th day of the red lips!)
What has been your favorite project to date?
Being a student every single day of life.
If you could collaborate with one artist (living or dead), who would it be?
Banksy, perhaps?
Any idea what you would want your collaborative project to be?
A postcard project à la @theartistSLE style, probably.
What has been the history of your artistic career? How have you arrived at this point?
The passion for art hit last spring 2010 after taking an oil painting class at the 92nd Street “Y” in NYC. Each day brings a new artistic adventure!
What would be your dream travel destination to go and create art?
NYC: Aug 5 – 9!
What’s your favorite medium to work in?
Oil
Great architecture or great clothes?
Hmm, both? For structure & style.
Folk or techno?
Techno – o – o
Favorite color?
Green
Favorite soundtrack for making art?
The beat that rocks from within – but seriously, all types of tunes.
If you could relive one year, which would it be and why?
Age three; my favorite number.
If someone was making a movie about your life, which actor (living or dead) would you choose to play you?
Drew Barrymore .
If someone were to ask you what type of artist you are, how would you respond?
@theartistSLE .
http://www.sarahexell.com/