As I began my interview with Allison CS Lewis for QU Mag, I expected a tough, outspoken young woman espousing her wonderful life as an artist. Yet, the Allison I interviewed is hardly either of the above… she is a soft-spoken, overly-intelligent, demure woman whose canvas is as spectacular as she is. She paints through life experiences, and allows others a portal into a myriad of intimate and chaotic episodes of her own life.
Allison had a privileged life, growing up in a mansion on Long Island from childhood until she left for university. Her parents would send her to well known private adult art schools at the young age of nine. Eventually that training would lead her to an Ivy League university. Allison would pursue a degree in Fine Arts from Carnegie Mellon University, and develop a passion for German Expressionist Art which she says is “a true expression of self.” After graduating from CMU, with a Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts, Allison would venture into the dot-com world in the web development arena. Her true love, art, would be put on the back burner for several years after leaving CMU.
I was privileged to be able to sit down and delve into the mind of the artist, Allison CS Lewis, to find out what makes her painting divergent from other artists. I was propelled to know what viably makes her paintings true works of art.
When and how did you first become interested in art?
When I was very young; about 11 or 12. I was encouraged by art teachers to take advanced art classes. So my parents found adult art classes for me to participate in after school. Mostly painting, drawing and sculpture for 9 hours a week after a long commute to and from school three times a week. I was always the youngest in these classes, with the exception of some 15 and 16 year olds readying their portfolios for college. My adult drawing classes consisted of life drawings, which were true experiences for me as an 11 year old. I was a bit astonished when the male model came into the class and disrobed for our nude drawing class. It was initially shocking, but became common place thereafter.
How long have you been painting?
I started painting with acrylics around the age of 9, and at age 11 I began painting in oils. I prefer working with oils.
Why do you prefer oils over acrylics?
Why? Because it’s this entire experience, the smells, the textures and the rituals that go into oil paintings. It encompasses all of these experiences and more. It flows and is sensuous and silky and deep; it’s a process.
What is it about painting that grips you?
I am standing in the studio now looking at my work, and it’s saturating… I don’t notice anything around me when I paint, but I am always inventing things in my head… I wouldn’t trade a minute of insanity to lose my creativity.
Who and what types of art are your main influences?
I typically dont like to pay attention to the contemporary art world. But I’d have to say that some of my favorite painters that I’ve been influenced by are Hieronymus Bosch, and Francis Bacon. I really like German Expressionism (A style of painting that depicts real life feelings and real life emotions.) I don’t like French Impressionist works in general (Art that depicts visual reality in terms of transient effects of light and color). I need to know when I have finished a painting that I have poured my blood, sweat, tears and rage into it for it to mean something.
Does anyone in your family paint as well?
John is also an artist. He creates digital and caricature art. He also creates these tiny detailed drawings. When we first started dating he would send me hand drawn postcards with these tiny detailed drawings… I’ve kept all of them.
Are you currently doing any gallery showings?
I’ve been on hiatus for the past couple of years. I wanted to stay at home to take care of my boys, and have the true experience of being a mother. But, I was part of a show in fall of 2008 at the Dolan Gallery on Long Island. I regret that I haven’t been more involved in showings; but that’s about to change.
Are your paintings currently on display?
Not at this time, however I do sell my art privately and I do accept commission requests. You can view and purchase my art by visiting my website at www.allisoncslewis.com.
How do you separate yourself from your art?
Through my kids. There are times when I don’t paint at all. Those are the times you will find me writing in my journal.
What is the biggest mistake you have ever made?
When I was hospitalized for being an anorexic. The constant struggle with self took me down roads I never thought I would travel. I went onto to become a heroin addict, and John was there to pick me up and help me get clean. He helped me become the artist I am today, Allison Caroline Serpe Lewis.
What are you trying to do to people with your art?
It’s mostly for me in developing self. I am interested in people’s reactions to the art but they really don’t know what they are looking at the most of the time… the themes that are underneath my paintings are not recognizable to most people. They don’t get them. What I am doing is trying to provoke curiosity, and wonder in a world where people have lost their sense of wonder.
Let’s talk about one of your paintings in particular. Why did you paint Hypocritical Oath?
That painting is actually about when I was in the hospital for the anorexia. I am the image of the faceless person on the table feeling abused and lost, tortured, manipulated, and totally out of control and yes, violated and made to feel inhuman
What does it take to paint something like this?
It took not thinking about it. It was one of those paintings where you don’t think about it at all. It hits you at the end. I never start out with a concept before I start something. I just paint, and then see where it leads. I am very spontaneous about painting.
What is special about Hypocritical Oath?
What is special about it is that I can’t talk about it, and I don’t know if I ever will.
What makes Hypocritical Oath a work of art?
It doesn’t have to be art to anyone else, because when I paint, I paint in turmoil. I know that it is finished when I am exhausted, and relieved.
What is it about Hypocritical Oath that makes it different from your other paintings or works of art?
Because it says the most and speaks volumes about whom I am as an artist. Hypocritical Oath tells a story, my story, and it has many secrets.
What makes this type of painting “good” for you?
When I finish a painting it allows me to put things to rest. It allows me not to be anorexic any more. It allows me not to be an addict anymore. It allows me never to feel less empowered, or should I say powerless? It allows me to be in charge of myself.
Allison currently lives in New York City with her husband, John K. Lewis, and her two vivacious and curious boys, Jackson a 4 ½ year old and her 19 month old Cole. Allison credits John and her two boys for clarifying her entire life to such a tremendous degree. She says that now she is free to focus on establishing herself as an artist both holistically and artistically.
Written by: B. Johnson Wehmer
