Travis Louie

Travis
Louie

Artist Biography

Travis_Louie_image

New York artist Travis Louie’s paintings come from the tiny little drawings and many writings in his journals. He has created his own imaginary world that is grounded in Victorian and Edwardian times. It is inhabited by human oddities, mythical beings, and otherworldly characters who appear to have had their formal portraits taken to mark their existence and place in society.

The underlying thread that connects all these characters is the unusual circumstances that shape who they were and how they lived. Some of their origins are a complete mystery while others are hinted at. A man is cursed by a goat, a strange furry being is discovered sleeping in a hedge, an engine driver can’t seem to stop vibrating in his sleep, a man overcomes his phobia of spiders, etc…

Using acrylic paint washes and simple textures on smooth boards, he has created portraits from an alternative universe that seemingly may or may not have existed.  His paintings and prints are instantly recognisable and highly sort after. 

What are some of the most important ingredients that go into making a successful visual narrative?

It’s important to be committed to your narrative. I like to have a whole backstory figured out for each character even if I don’t put every part of it in the work. When I am able to “know” the character that well, the process feels more complete to me.
It’s almost like I’m writing a script for each painting.
Extract from an interview with Travis Louie in April 2016 at Wow x Wow.
You can read the full interview here >>

What are some of the ingredients that go into making a successful visual narrative?

I like to have a whole backstory figured out for each character even if I don’t put every part of it in the work. When I am able to “know” the character that well, the process feels more complete to me, like I’m writing a script for each painting.
Extract from an interview with Travis Louie in April 2016 at Wow x Wow.
You can read the full interview here >>
Travis_Louie_Artist_The_Soul_Laundry

Available to buy from The Soul Laundry shop

Available to buy from
The Soul Laundry shop

'Arthur & William'

Limited edition giclée print.
Signed and numbered by the artist.

'Sarah & Emmett'

Limited edition, intaglio sepia print.
Signed, titled, and numbered by the artist.

'Invader Mitch and His Dog'

Limited edition giclée print.
Signed and numbered by the artist.

'Uncle Six Eyes'

Limited edition, hand painted, resin bust.
Signed and numbered by the artist.

'Bill' - Cabinet Card Series

Archived Postcard print, signed by the artist.

'The Jackalope' - Cabinet Card Series

Collectible archived Postcard print.

'Jeff and Jim' - Cabinet Card Series

Collectible archived Postcard print.

'Oscar and the Giant Tarsier' - Cabinet Card Series

Collectible archived Postcard print.

'Oscar and the Truth Toad' - Cabinet Card Series

Collectible archived Postcard print.

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