Art + Magic

15. Beauty, Defying Stigmas + Developing Your Voice | Dan Lam


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DAN LAM. What a pinch-me-moment it was to have her on the show. SO many interesting topics got touched on in this conversation: how and why beauty is easily dismissed in art, Dan’s thoughts on a recent negative comment and the issue of gatekeeping in the art world, the stigmas she’s protesting (like fun! and psychedelic use!), how she’s dealt with copying, advice for creating strong work and tons more.

It was powerful to talk to someone with so much experience who’s holding down very healthy and important perspectives for the whole art community. In fact, I almost titled this episode “Dan Lam is Awesome,” (true story) because that was how I walked away feeling from our chat. I know you all are going to appreciate it as much as I did.

WE TALKED ABOUT…

  • Dismissing beautiful work
  • Balance and self care
  • Destigmatizing psychedelics
  • Gatekeeping in the art community
  • Copying vs Influencing
  • Advice for artists

  • BIO

    Dan Lam’s work straddles the line between numerous dichotomies. By navigating the

    realm between attraction and repulsion, organic and inanimate, seriousness and
    playfulness, soft and hard, Lam conjures up her idiosyncratic vision. As a result, the
    work strikes a deft balance between seemingly disparate concepts, subsequently
    inspiring a range of emotions and ideas from the viewer.

    Known for her bold and unique sculptures, she rose to popularity and prominence

    through social media, particularly Instagram. Her body of work ranges from gallery
    exhibitions to large scale installations to brand collaborations. She exhibits in the US
    and internationally.

    Lam was born in the Philippines while her family was immigrating from Vietnam to the

    United States. She was raised in Texas where she received her Bachelor in Fine Arts
    from the University of North Texas in 2010. She received her Masters in Fine Arts in
    2014 from Arizona State University.

    Lam currently resides and works in Dallas, TX, USA.

    FOLLOW DAN

    www.bydanlam.com

    Dan on IG: @sopopomo

    MENTIONS

    “Playing to the Gallery” by Grayson Perry

    The Botany of Desire (documentary)

    “How to Change Your Mind” by Michael Pollan

    Meow Wolf

    Martin Creed

    FOLLOW THE SHOW

    @artandmagicpodcast

    @devonwalzart

    www.devonwalz.com

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    Art + MagicBy Devon Walz

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