California
What inspired your winning entry? A building in San Francisco’s Chinatown, which I photographed one day when wandering into the city for inspiration. A song sprang to mind when I gazed at the vertical ladder’s shadow: Led Zeppelin’s Stairway to Heaven. Immediately I knew this was the right title for the painting. Chinatown is home to many immigrants looking for a better life. To me, it is a symbol of the desire that all people have for their own slice of heaven, regardless of race or nationality. The stars near the roof are my artistic addition and enhance the theme.
How would you describe your style? Urban realism.
What artists have influenced your work? George Rivera—painter and former executive director of the Triton Museum of Art in Santa Clara, CA—has inspired me to do two things: contemplate the heart and soul of each painting I wish to create, and strive to convey this to the viewer.
Where did you study art? I received a Bachelor of Fine Art at Mississippi University for Women and a Master of Fine Art at California College of the Arts.
How did you first get interested in art? As a child in elementary school and junior high, I remember enjoying many solitary hours doing paintings of birds, mushrooms, and other natural subjects.
What inspires you to paint a scene? Color, the play of light and shadow, unique architectural details, and laundry hanging out to dry all inspire me.
What galleries represent your work? Andra Norris Gallery, Burlingame, CA; Christian Daniels Gallery, San Francisco, CA.
This story was featured in the December 2018 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art December 2018 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.
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The post Artistic Excellence 2018 | Honorable Mention: Lynette Cook appeared first on Southwest Art Magazine.