behind the brush with Mwanel Pierre-Lous
Welcome to Behind the Brush, where we offer a peek behind the curtain through the voices of talented artists within our community. This week, we’re chatting with Mwanel Pierre-Lous, a Haitian, Miami-based artist who helped us recently make an impact for the NBA, activating a beautiful mural in central Wynwood to promote the league’s new in-season tournament.
Q: Can you share your earliest memory of engaging with art and what initially drew you to the creative world?
A: The earliest memory I have of me engaging with art is when I was mimicking Bob Ross’s “Happy Trees” programs on PBS. I can remember just scribbling on paper and the walls of my parents’ place at an early age of 4.
Q: Your artwork brings in a variety of cultures and styles. How have the cities you’ve lived in played a role in your artwork and the message(s) you try to deliver through these creations? Are there any particular groups or communities that you try to consistently represent?
A: Well, each city I’ve lived in brought different individuals with unique stories. The messages can resonate by their culture, creed, and or presentation. I mostly work on individuals of black and brown representation.
Q: Your work often combines realism with abstract elements. How do you approach blending these styles? And where do you look for inspiration when looking for new ways to infuse artistic expressions and themes?
A: When it came down to blending my styles, I would go through many versions before coming to the final piece. I alter my sketches digitally before sketching the final piece to painting. These days, I’m getting inspiration from Museums and art fairs as well from art peers alike.
Q: You’ve worked with globally recognized brands like Starbucks, Adidas, and Atlantic Records. How do you approach maintaining your artistic integrity and personality while collaborating commercially?
A: The mission is with communication throughout the brands. What I’ve worked with has always been to stay true to my identity within my DNA of storytelling and core essence of the brand themselves.
Q: How do you approach the use of color in your work, and what role does it play in conveying emotions?
A: Most of the time, my color spectrum or moods come from the transfer of interaction between myself and the subjects I paint. Those conversations convey the emotions, leading to endless possibilities for the paintings.
Q: How has technology influenced your art-making process and the way you share your work with the world?
A: Technology is a tool to speed up the process, especially with murals that are more accurate to designs approved by clients. Utilizing devices like an iPad or Macbook allows me to explore my vocabulary while designing the next project or painting.
Q: You attended strong art-forward programs in Miami and California. How necessary was that education for your growth and development as an artist? Would you recommend a similar traditional route for aspiring artists who’re wondering where to start?
A: Fundamentally, it’s necessary to have gone through the art programs I’ve gone through. They were beneficial for real life outcomes as well as understanding how the art world works in career paths such as muralist or gallery artist. To expand your mind and find the will to do this full time, I would recommend it.
Q: Sometimes we can overfocus on the art, and not the artist behind it. How has your art and creativity influenced your own personal growth and understanding of the world?
A: All that I’ve learned from my creativity and art is patience and consistency. If you’re not having fun and learning from past works, you can easily just stay in the same space and won’t grow.
Q: What directions or themes are you excited to explore in your upcoming works?
A: Mostly interactive type of work. Evolving the medium has been challenging, but i’m down to explore the narrative and concept.
Q: Let the people know where they can follow you and keep up with your journey!
A: You can see my progression on social media platforms such as Instagram and Threads under @mwanel1_L and my website, www.mwanel.com
