Local Artist…Randwick’s Lucinda Boden

By James Hutton on July 1, 2020 in People

Practise Makes Perfect. Photo: James Boden

Introducing the talent behind this month’s beautiful cover illustration, local artist Lucinda Boden…

How long have you lived here? I’ve lived in Randwick my whole life, 22 great years. It’s the greatest suburb in Sydney. I still live at home, so it’s cheap, and I couldn’t afford to move out.
What’s your favourite beach? It’s a close call between Coogee and Gordons Bay. After stepping on a sea urchin in Gordons Bay I’ve definitely taken a break from there!
What’s your favourite eatery? My local coffee shop, Tucker, not only for their amazing food but the staff are all so much fun. I’ve been working there for four years so I may be a little biased. Another great place is The Little Kitchen in Coogee.
Where do you like to have a drink? I’m a sucker for a happy hour, and Ching-a-Lings is my go-to. If I’m feeling a bit fancy I’ll pop over to Bondi Public Bar for an espresso martini.
Best thing about the Eastern Suburbs? The beaches, closely followed by the brunch culture.
Worst thing about the Eastern Suburbs? It’s very expensive and I doubt I’ll ever be able to afford a home here. Also, the active wear is a little off putting, although I do contribute from time to time.
How would you describe your art? My art practice centres around drawing or digitally illustrating Australian native flora and fauna. I also love drawing food, fish and cocktails. My style is not over-complicated; I build many lines to achieve textures in my works.
Where can people see your work? You can follow me on Instagram at @lucindabodenart. I also have a website in the works, so stay tuned. My work has recently been acquired by Botanic, across the road from the Gallery of New South Wales. You can enjoy my triptych botanical illustration on the wall while you drink your coffee.
Who are your artistic inspirations? My artistic inspirations include Eloise Rankine, John Wolseley, Margaret Preston, Sarah Rayner and many more. I think it’s safe to say Wolseley is my biggest inspiration because of his unusual artistic practice, imprinting natural objects sourced from the land, overlaid with illustrations.
What are you working on at the moment? I’ve been working on my own little collection of objects that I found on our South Coast farm. This collection consists of delicate drawings and watercolours of flora that I found in the mountains.
Do you have any exhibitions coming up? I am planning on putting together a fun little exhibition soon that will include works based around natural found objects. There will be oodles of wine and beer, so feel free to come along.
When did you discover you had a gift for your craft? I’ve always been interested in art but it wasn’t until second year uni that I changed to do a fine arts degree. Majoring in printmaking really changed the way I thought about art. My teachers and friends influenced the way I practised art, and I realised it could be more than a hobby.
Any other up-and-coming local artists to look out for? Harriett Clark is an amazing intaglio printer who creates abstract landscapes. You can find her works on Instagram at @harriett.l.c. My boyfriend, Harrison Murdoch, is also a very talented up-and-coming artist. You can find his mural work in the Clovelly Hotel, as well as on his Instagram at @harrymurdickart.
Where did you study? I did my Bachelor of Fine Arts at UNSW Art and Design. I loved the freedom that the uni gave us to experiment with untraditional methods, which gave me the chance to develop my artistic practice. I made some lifelong friends there (yes, I’m talking about you Harriet and Peter!).
Any words of wisdom for young aspiring artists? Honestly, just keep going, try new things and don’t be afraid to go outside of your comfort zone.
Do you have a favourite quote? Bob Ross once said, “We don’t make mistakes, just happy little accidents.” The world would be a better place if we just remembered that everything we do isn’t so permanent.
Any other words of wisdom for readers of The Beast? Draw everyday, keep at it, practice makes perfect!