Layered Emotions
The heart of each story and collage I create is a story about connection and relatability. I want to help both myself and others recognize that their feelings—whether it's heartbreak, anxiety, sexual frustration, euphoria, or trauma—are completely valid. Through my collages, I hope to reach anyone who might feel isolated and help them feel a bit less alone, even if just for a moment.
Since I often struggle to express my emotions through language alone, collaging provides a
unique way to paint a picture of what I'm experiencing. For me, the emotional depth of creating collages comes from the spontaneous selection of images from manga, magazines, and books.
This process allows me to process and reflect my feelings in a visual form, creating connections with others in ways that words sometimes can’t.
Initially, shooting instant film was my way of finding beauty amidst life's upheavals, a way to capture moments of joy that I could look back on. Over time, this practice evolved into a cherished creative outlet. Instant film became my go-to for navigating emotional challenges and a delightful coping mechanism that reminds me to stay present. When I was unable to go out and shoot due to a head injury, collaging on film became a new way for me to adapt.
Life’s unpredictability means we can only control so much, so we focus on capturing what we can and weaving it into the tapestry of our journey. Just like adjusting the lighting and angles in a photo, we navigate the unknown with a sense of anticipation and wonder, watching how our choices shape the future.
Born in 1990 in Belém do Pará, Brazil, Lu Louve is a versatile artist whose practice spans fashion design, visual arts, and creative expression. Attending Unama University of the Amazon, she was deeply inspired by her grandmother, an artist and educator who influenced and shaped her work. As a neurodivergent artist, Lu blends traditional craftsmanship with innovative techniques, creating works that resonate deeply with her cultural heritage and emotional expression.
Her achievements include working as a special effects makeup artist and costume designer from 2016 to 2019, leading wardrobe for the Walking Dead Event at Hard Rock Casino Hollywood, FL, in 2018. She was featured in the Polaroid Artist Spotlight in April 2023 and created album art for Cathedral Bells' "Another Lifetime" EP in 2024. Additionally, she participated in the Instant Photo Show in St. Pete, Florida, by Labeauratoire in May 2024, and is co-hosting a Mixed Media Workshop at Pola Con 2024 in Denton, Texas