Meet Laurence de Valmy

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Laurence De Valmy a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Laurence, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I’ve always felt a strong attraction to the world of visual arts, but it took me some time to make the decision to pursue a career as a full-time artist. Over time, my artistic purpose has become increasingly clear. What initially began as an exploration of aesthetics has evolved into a means for me to convey meaningful messages.

Through my ‘POST’ series, I aim to emphasize the interconnectedness of artists. I firmly believe that these connections transcend generations and cultures, linking us all together. In recent years, my artistic focus has shifted towards examining the place of women in both society and the arts.

With my ‘You Go Girl’ series, I strive to shed light on the positive representation of women and girls within the Pokemon franchise, one of the largest media franchises in history. My ultimate goal is to amplify an empowering narrative that celebrates the strength and resilience of women.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a multifaceted creative professional with roles as an artist, art educator, and writer. My artistic endeavors revolve around reimagining art history and our shared visual culture, primarily through the medium of painting. Additionally, I venture into the realm of ‘phygital’ art, blending physical and digital elements, driven by my fascination with the impact of technology on our society, recognizing both its opportunities and challenges.

My most recent project, titled ‘You Go Girl,’ is a series dedicated to portraying women and girls in a positive light within the vast world of Pokemon, a prominent media franchise. Through this series, I aim to emphasize and amplify an empowering narrative.

I also contribute to various art publications, and I maintain my own art blog called ‘The Curious Frenchy.’

My artworks are represented by art galleries in the USA, UK, and France.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Interesting question! In my path, optimism has played a pivotal role as it fueled my belief in the possibility of achieving my dreams.

Curiosity and effective social communication have also been instrumental in my journey. When I relocated from France to the USA, I found myself without any connections in the art world. So, I proactively reached out to individuals, (thank you Facebook and Instagram!) forming connections that gave rise to different projects, each leading to the next.

Collaboration has been a key element. Despite the perception of artistry as a solitary pursuit, I have found great fulfillment in collaborating with fellow artists, collectors, and galleries. Gradually, I built my own community and encountered numerous like minded people.

My advice is to actively cultivate your own community. Connect with as many individuals as possible, learn from their experiences, and genuinely contribute in terms of attention, assistance, and friendship before seeking help in return.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
I am an art book lover and libraries are my favorite place! There are always nuggets of wisdom from the biographies of artists I admire, the struggle they had, their friends, their inspiration etc. The way Claude Monet was unsure about his work even as a mature artist, how Niki de St Phalle expressed her personal trauma through her art, or how Andy Warhol was both an amazing artist and a great marketer.

I frequently suggest the book ‘Ninth Street Women’ by Mary Gabriel. This book delves into the biographies of extraordinary female artists and provides great historical context for the emergence of abstract expressionism in New York City. It served as a profound source of inspiration for my collaboration with Art Girl Rising, to promote awareness and recognition of women artists.

* full title is Ninth Street Women: Lee Krasner, Elaine de Kooning, Grace Hartigan, Joan Mitchell, and Helen Frankenthaler: Five Painters and the Movement That Changed Modern Art by Mary Gabriel.

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Image Credits
Laurence de Valmy

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