Meet Deedra Ludwig | Visual artist / painter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Deedra Ludwig and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Deedra, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Pursuing a creative path as an artist began as far back as I can remember. My grandmother Julia who lived in New Orleans opened up her studio to me to experiment with pigments and brushes amidst volumes of art books in a lively artist community.

It was a natural progression that always felt like the right path for me, a path I have never doubted or regretted. Four decades of painting and I am more excited now than ever. I feel as if my paintings are a continuation of my grandmothers vision. She’s definitely my life inspiration.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?                       As an artist I remain committed to documenting observations of the natural world and recording them through the mediums of oil pigments, acrylic resin, dry pigments, ink, & earth pigments. The use of materials such as soil and ground botanical specimens serve as a foundation in which a “sense of place” is layered into each painting. My process is a synthesis of decades of experimentation with color, mark making, and composition all linked to my reverence of the primordial world.

I am most happy when I am painting or in the studio. To wake each day and have the motivation for another day in the studio is the greatest feeling. So many possibilities are in the mix just by showing up. When I begin a new painting I start over each time allowing as much time as it takes. Each new body of work requires a clean slate, I don’t like repeating my colour palette or theme so I seek new variations with every painting.

Where I am now is a culmination of practice, dedication, mentors, curiosity, fearlessness and mostly an acceptance of “yes I am an artist.”

I am especially proud of each new exhibition. Most recently “The Little Woods & Other Stories” at Thomas Deans Fine Art. I create with the intention that art heals so each body of work contains within the ethereal surfaces a space to wander and travel. Work placed in medical centers is so gratifying because it does make a difference. Receiving a message from a patient detailing their experience when waking out of surgery and being comforted by a painting tells me that I am on the right path.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love heathy foods and I love preparing meals for friends so my dining room table would be set for ultimate comforts. I love supporting local farmers markets, local vineyards & local crafted foods.

I also love treating friends to holistic spa days, hot stone massage, aromatherapy, yoga and everything that makes us feel good and revitalized.

My favourite hang out is the Cator Woolford Gardens especially in spring.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First I give reverence for every art collector, every gallery representative, every friend who continued to believe in what I create. Most recently I appreciate the friendship and guidance of Atlanta gallery owner Thomas Deans.

Website: www.deedraludwig.com

Instagram: @Deedra-Artist

Facebook: Deedra Ludwig