Exclusive Interview with Dan Lam – Dripping Sculptures

Dan Lam, an internationally recognized contemporary artist and influential figure in social media, is based in Texas. Known for her unique sculptural works, Lam expertly blends unconventional materials, organic shapes, and vivid colors to explore intricate dichotomies.

Her art, oscillating between beauty and the surreal, encourages viewers to contemplate deeper meanings while invoking a sense of both familiarity and wonder. Influenced by luminaries like James Turrell, Olafur Eliasson, and Lynda Benglis, Lam’s distinctive sculptures have solidified her status as a preeminent figure in today’s contemporary art landscape.

Can you share with our readers details about your childhood, family, and the environment you grew up in? Were you an artistic child?

I grew up as the only child of Vietnamese refugees. Born in a refugee camp in the Philippines, I arrived in the US as an infant. Vietnamese was my initial language, but I picked up English upon starting school. Following my parents’ divorce, my mother and I relocated frequently within Texas, primarily between Houston and Dallas/Fort Worth. Regular visits to Vietnam and Hawaii maintained my ties to family and Vietnamese culture.

From a young age, I had a penchant for creativity, often found drawing, painting, or embellishing various items. Being an only child catalyzed my imaginative pursuits. Raised primarily by my hardworking mother, I became adept at entertaining myself and cherishing moments of solitude.

What inspired your journey to becoming a sculptor?

My academic foundation lies in drawing and painting. While I can’t pinpoint the exact reason for this focus, it might have stemmed from an idealistic view of the artist’s role. However, during my graduate studies, I felt an increasing inclination toward three-dimensional art. Although I initially crafted wall-based pieces post-graduation, my passion organically transitioned to sculptural forms. I remain fascinated by the myriad ways art can occupy space.

Reflecting on your art career, can you pinpoint any significant events that greatly influenced your artistic development?

Engaging with social media marked a pivotal moment, introducing me to broader audiences and facilitating numerous exhibitions. While my art was never solely influenced by online metrics, this exposure made me more cognizant of the viewer’s role. Consequently, I gravitated toward crafting interactive and immersive artworks, aiming to transform passive viewers into active participants.

As an artist, what challenges did you face and overcome in your creative journey?

The creative realm is inherently unpredictable, devoid of a clear roadmap. Recognizing this early on, I embraced the non-linear trajectory of artistic evolution. Every artist’s experiences are unique, shaped by individual contexts and perspectives. Through trial, error, and introspection, I’ve cultivated trust in my instincts, ensuring that my creations emanate authenticity.

How do you generate innovative ideas for your artwork?

I maintain receptivity to spontaneous ideas, documenting them as they emerge, whether as vivid images or subtle nuances. Some concepts evolve as extensions of ongoing projects, prompting further exploration. I’ve found that manual engagement—actually crafting something—fuels my creativity, paving the way for a continuous influx of ideas.

Please walk us through your solo show, GUTTATION, that opened on December 16 at Hashimoto Contemporary.

The title “Guttation” draws inspiration from a natural phenomenon observed in plants and fungi, where they expel excess water and nutrients. My artworks mirror these intricate textures, delving into the delicate balance between allure and repulsion. Symbolically, this exhibition embodies my journey of relinquishing unnecessary baggage, symbolizing a phase of introspective purging.

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