Aura Lewis: Intimacy and Mortality
Aura Lewis is an illustration artist, a multi-published author and designer with an MFA from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. She is inspired by fashion from around the world, playful color, vintage design and popular culture. As an illustration artist, author, and designer, Lewis’s creative focus centers on portraying the nuanced experiences of women. Her work delves into everything from the serene moments of daily life to the profound complexities of pleasure, pain, body perception, and relationships. Through her illustrated books and standalone artworks, Aura strives to cultivate a space where the diverse facets of womanhood are explored and celebrated. Her goal is to amplify the voices of women and girls, ensuring that their experiences are not only recognized but also validated.
How did your creative journey begin?
When I was a child, my favorite thing to do was to draw and paint. I literally drew all day. However, it took me some time to turn this love into a full-time profession. I tried a few different career paths first (like psychology, architecture, graphic design and art direction.) I learned a ton, and had some really interesting projects. That being said, I was not feeling creatively fulfilled, and eventually realized that I truly wanted to make art, and return to what I always loved best. So I went back to school, and got a Masters of Fine Arts in illustration. I have been working as an illustration artist, painter and author ever since.
Where do you find inspiration for your work?
I find inspiration in a wide variety of sources, including the worlds of fashion design, textiles, period films, vintage ephemera, and art history from around the world. I love nature and am particularly drawn to the beauty and symbolism of flowers and butterflies, which to me represent the tension between fragility, strength, and resilience, which I try to convey in my work. Human relationships, especially the complex dynamics between women, are also a significant and continuos source of inspiration for me. Overall, my art is driven by a fascination with the fragility and beauty of life, and the delicate balance between mortality and the poignant beauty of the human experience.
How has your work evolved over the last few years?
Over the last few years, my work has evolved and changed both in the mediums I use and the ideas I incorporate in my art. I've transitioned from traditional media to digital illustration and back again, ultimately incorporating both into my practice. This journey has allowed me to explore new techniques and push the boundaries of my creativity. In addition, I've also shifted my focus towards creating longer-form bodies of work rather than individual, stand-alone images. This has led me to prioritize developing a strong conceptual framework and explore cohesive themes that tie my work together. While recurring themes like women's realities remain a core part of my art, I'm now eager to explore additional topics like intimacy and mortality, and weave them into my visual language.
What does a typical day in the studio look like for you, and how has your art practice grown or changed?
I begin my day with a long walk in nature, which helps me clear my mind and process events. I also use that time to be in touch with friends abroad or plan my day ahead. Back in my home studio, I spend the next couple of hours writing, as my mental focus and clarity are best in the mornings. The rest of the day is devoted to drawing or painting; sometimes I focus on one project for days, but usually I work on a few different projects at the same time, which keeps things dynamic. When possible, I try to do most of my client work in the afternoons and evenings, so that the bulk of my working day is devoted to my own creative practice.
Which experiences have impacted your work as an artist?
I have a strong wanderlust, and so living in various countries around the world and exploring both remote and urban landscapes are a continued source of inspiration and wonder for me. Personal connections and relationships are also important in my work; experiences like being a mother, a sister, a partner and confidant are a source from which I draw on to add emotion and vulnerability to my art. As I've grown older, I've come to appreciate the beauty and pain of life, and my art has become a reflection of this. My experiences have taught me to embrace the complexities and contradictions of our world, and to find meaning in the everyday moments and small encounters. Through my art, I aim to capture the essence and beauty of these experiences.
How has social media impacted your work?
Social media is both inspiring and challenging for me. I really love the idea of sharing my art online and connecting with a global audience who otherwise wouldn’t see my work. That being said, most of my work is created for books, printed media, or gallery spaces, and in the end I hope that people experience and engage with my art in the real world. Ultimately, I strive to strike a balance between sharing my art online and staying true to my vision.
How did you develop your personal style?
Over time, I've learned to truly embrace the colors, themes, and subjects that spark my creativity and passion, and lean into those in my work. For example, I've always been drawn to vibrant warm colors, patterns and graphic compositions, which have become part of my style. Ultimately, my personal style is a continuous evolution, shaped by my emotions, thoughts, experiences, inspirations, and creative explorations. And of course, I'm always looking for new ways to push my boundaries and refine my artistic voice.
Website: auralewis.com
Instagram: @auralewis