Lyne Lucien is an award-winning Haitian artist based in Brooklyn, New York. Her artwork is deeply rooted in her community, drawing inspiration from her vibrant upbringing in Haiti to create bold spaces and themes.
WHAT DID YOU GET IN TROUBLE FOR AS A KID?
I got in trouble for spending too much time climbing trees outside. I grew up in Haiti. To be fair, I was really allergic to them. Lol! I loved to climb to the very top of our mango tree and daydream.
WHERE DO YOUR BEST IDEAS COME FROM? (DREAMS, SHOWER, MUSEUM, TRAIN?)
I get my best ideas when I'm daydreaming. If you see me zoning out, don't interrupt! I'm onto something whimsical or delusional somewhere deep deep deep down in my subconscious!
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DRAW AS A CHILD? WHY DID THAT LODGE IN YOUR HEAD?
I actually didn't draw at all as a kid! All of my ideas were in my mind. I started drawing in my late 20s. I'm a late bloomer.
WHAT’S YOUR BIGGEST ART INSPIRATION? THIS MAY NOT BE VISUAL. LIKE, ANYTHING!
Today, my answer is Celine Dion, Cindy Sherman, Lauren Hill, my parents and siblings. Tomorrow, the aforementioned list changes.
HOW DOES CREATIVITY RUN IN YOUR FAMILY, EVEN IF IT’S NOT DESIGN-RELATED?
Creativity is a big part of my family! My mom is a brilliant clothing designer. She has a modern take on traditional Haitian clothing. It was fun seeing her experiment with different silhouettes. She often hand- embroidered Haitian landscapes on her garments. Today, I heavily incorporate landscapes in my work. My father is an engineer, his entire job is problem solving. He enjoys symmetry and puzzles. He inspires the technical way that I find balance in my work!
