GALO: Would you say that your paintings, though abstract, are thematic?

LH: Yes. Look at the different themes on my website.

GALO: Can you share with us a story about one of your most recently completed paintings?

LH: It came out a blank slate of silver and I just chose not to mess around with it. It was complete.

GALO: Lately you participated in Scope Miami; prior to that you’ve been a participant of Art Basel. What in your opinion makes such art fairs important to not only artists, but those who are aficionados of the current art scene?

LH: Going back to what I said before, it’s not only fun, but necessary to see what’s going on in the art world. A brief glimpse can entirely change your vision.

GALO: What were your impressions of the art featured at the fair?

LH: Very mixed. My principle observation (again referencing what I previously said) is: go back and learn your craft – the basics are essential.

GALO: A lot of your recent exhibitions have been in Florida or California. Do you plan on exhibiting in New York City anytime soon?

LH: I hope to. I’m a “California girl,” but New York is my favorite place in the world.

GALO: What typically runs through your mind as you paint?

LH: A pretty blank slate. Incidentally, while painting I usually listen to junk music, so I don’t get involved, but I’m pretty sure it makes an impression at some unknown or inaccessible level.

GALO: Apparently, aside from painting, you also sing the blues. Can you tell us more about this? Is this more of a hobby of yours?

LH: It’s definitely a hobby; finding it the most authentic of music, definitely from the heart.

GALO: I believe I read somewhere that you also have a degree in film-making? Have you thought about making an autobiographical documentary of yourself as an artist – a behind-the-scenes kind of montage?

LH: I do not have a degree in film-making. I made a poor first marriage choice to my first husband the summer after my undergraduate degree. I put all creative choices aside while helping him through medical residencies.  

GALO: Besides the different art mediums, how do you spend your free time?

LH: I paint – it is my passion. I swim and love the ocean. I hang out with my four-legged kids (dogs and kitties) and read [during] every spare moment, especially the classics.  Right now, I’m reading The Swerve (“On the Nature of Things”) by the ancient Roman philosopher Poggio Bracciolini.

GALO: You’re married to one of the most distinguished figures in the real estate world, Jeff Hyland. Is he supportive of your artwork? What was his reaction to this endeavor when you first proclaimed your passion for it?

LH: He went for it and is super supportive of my work. He’s an architectural historian and writer and well familiar with the creative process. His mother was a painter and his dad a screenwriter. He’s used to being in the milieu of creative people.

GALO: Do any of your beautiful pieces grace the walls of your home?

LH: My paintings are all over the place with a constant rotation with other artists’ work that I love.

GALO: You’ve exhibited with various artists, including Philippe Benichou. Have any of the artists you’ve met during your showcases, prompted you to try something new – or perhaps have they instilled a sense of admiration in you?

LH: I have great admiration for Philippe as well as the artists I exhibit [with]. They all teach me in one way or the other. It is essential that there is a dialogue between artists, either through their work or verbally.

GALO: What is the best advice you have been given as an artist?

LH: Carry pencils and a sketchbook everywhere and use it!

GALO: How do you hope to grow as an artist? In other words, what do you hope to achieve and cultivate in the coming years?

LH: It is said that to see the world, you learn to draw. Every new work I commit to, I find another “essential” heretofore unknown, providing a “eureka” moment. It usually leads me to thinking, ‘How did I not see that up until now?’

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