The Joy of Colour with artist Laxmi Hussain
In colour psychology, ultramarine blue is considered highly energising and stimulating. But for London-based artist Laxmi Hussain, it is a calming, soothing hue that embodies the embracing nature of her late mother. It is through her free-flowing organic brush strokes and signature blue that Laxmi pays tribute to the female form and the tenderness of motherhood. The very power of colour lies in this ability to evoke different memories, resonations, and emotions, and above all, tell a story. Just like the vivid blue permeating Laxmi’s creations, the artist herself is making a bold statement in the art world. We took a trip to Laxmi’s studio to learn more about her relationship with colour, the cathartic power of self-expression, and how she uses art as an emotional and creative outlet.
What does self-expression mean to you?
Self-expression means being able (and feeling safe) to share your thoughts, feelings, personal style, and what you enjoy with the world. It means finding an outlet to express yourself. It means manifesting who you are into something that is perhaps physical, whether that’s words, movement, or art.
How do you best express yourself?
Through my art. It’s my outlet. It allows me to channel many things which are incredibly important and personal to me. It allows me to express who I am, the way I see myself, and how I fit into and identify with the world around me. It’s very cathartic to be able to share this with others. The way I express myself also extends to the way I dress, what I choose to have as objects in my home, and the art I am drawn to.
The ultramarine blue that permeates your artwork - what initially inspired you to use what has now become your signature colour?
My mum! My mum died in 2018 from blood cancer. Between her diagnosis and her death, I leaned more into my art and became obsessed with the colour. It was only months later when my sister sent me a photo of my mum dressed in a fully blue denim outfit that I began to realise that so many of my memories of my mum are of her in blue. The photo I mentioned happened to be my earliest memory of her, so now I channel the blue to keep her with me. My mum has been the biggest influence on me my entire life and still is. I’m the person I am because of her. In these last few years, my life has changed from art being my side hustle to now my full-time job. She didn't get to see this part of my journey, but I always think of her, especially when the big moments within my work come along. So I honour her through my blue and know she is out there somewhere, proud of what I’ve achieved.
How does this colour make you feel?
I find it such a calming colour. Blue for me has been like a long, steady relationship, haha. I think about the way it fits into my life all the time. It adapts throughout the year, through different lighting, and despite having worked with it for years now, it always surprises me and brings me joy. It lights up my eyes and makes me happy whenever I see it.
Your use of blue in your work is bold and unapologetic. How would you encourage people to be confident to use colour in their own lives?
Perhaps start with one colour, the one you are most drawn to. I feel most people have a particular colour they are always drawn to, but perhaps aren’t always brave enough to go for it. So start small - perhaps it’s a wall, an object or an item of clothing, and take your time to see how it interacts with other colours. Allow it to be the showstopper and try not to overcomplicate it with too many other bold colours. Also, if you don’t try without hesitation - you’ll never actually know. What’s the worst that could happen - you move on to another (bold) colour?
What drew you to explore themes of motherhood and the human body - in particular the female body - in your artwork?
For so long I was trying to find my identity as a woman in a society which pushes us to be so many things, and I kept feeling like I wasn't worthy of being represented in art. So I thought I would try changing that for myself - very much in the same way I spoke about becoming confident in using colour, I started small.
Many people only feel confident expressing themselves when they have seen themselves represented, whether that’s in the media, in art, or in their communities. You represent yourself in your work. How has your relationship with the way you express yourself changed since picking up a paintbrush?
The more I see myself in my work, the more I can actually appreciate all the things my body has carried me through; life, growing, having children, grief and love. I recognise its strength and resilience. I feel proud of my body and want to express this and celebrate it through my work.
Who or what have been your biggest artistic influences?
My children have been one of the biggest influences on my work. I started painting again because of them. Children draw and create without outside judgement. There is an earnestness and freedom that comes with being a child. They just don't care. They just want to explore what feels exciting and natural to them. It's through creating with them as children and being reminded of how much art exists in my core that I decided to pursue my art professionally. In many ways, I express my inner child when I paint - it makes me feel free.
We love how you’ve got into upcycling. Why have you started painting furniture and where do you source it all?
Thank you!! I’ve been working with Partnership Editions (who represent my work as an online gallery) for nearly 2 years now. Last year they realised the value of art as also being functional. When I was asked if I would consider creating a small collection of items, originally I was really stuck for ideas. I wanted my “canvas” to be an extension of my usual works and I also felt very conscious about putting too many completely new objects into the world, which is something I consider anyway when I purchase things for my home. I stumbled across some wooden lamps on Ebay and Facebook marketplace and I treated them exactly the same as I do when I paint on wood panels. I loved that I could upcycle objects and create something completely new. I’m also quite technical and after a bit of research, I found that I could purchase lamp kits in various colours and fittings, which allowed me to tailor all the fine details to fit my aesthetic - making the lamps even more special. Now that I know how to wire it all up, I can choose everything from the brass fittings and brightly coloured electrical cables to even the colour of the plugs and switches. I now always have my eye out for lamp bases when I head to a charity shop or vintage market and have even had friends and family come across them and ask me if I want them to buy it!
We have to ask - if you were a Lick colour palette, what would you be?
I’d be “cosy and warm” with Blue 10 or Blue 11 highlights to add that extra touch.
Laxmi's colour palette
And finally, what advice would you give to artists struggling to get their foot in the door?
I’m going to say this again, but start small! It really is one of those journeys which is also about finding your voice. Ask yourself this: what is important to you? What do you want to say with your work? What story do you want to tell? Talk to other artists and connect with those whose work you admire. Try not to idolise or pit your goals against others too much though - your journey is your own. And remember that behind every successful artist you aspire to be is a person who has their own journey, their own struggles - they didn’t get there overnight. This is one of the biggest pressures we put on ourselves, trying to be successful immediately. The journey will be hard. There will be moments when you question what you’re doing, and wonder whether you have value or even deserve to occupy this space. But you will get there. You just have to be patient. I never dreamed I would be working full-time as an artist and if I look back over the last 10 years and how far I’ve come, it is so worth it! I still pinch myself walking into the studio most days.
If Laxmi’s confident embrace of blue has inspired you to be bold with your colour choices, then explore our range to find the hue that best expresses who you are.
For a daily dose of inspiration, follow Laxmi’s journey on her Instagram.