Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Ramirez
Hi Jessica, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Lydia Williamson is an Ohio-born artist, raised by architects, with two parents who instilled a deep appreciation for design and creativity. Growing up alongside five siblings, Lydia was always drawn to the arts and this passion led her to study visual arts at the University of Dayton. While art was always a part of her life, it wasn’t until 2020 that Lydia decided to take her art practice seriously. During this pivotal year, her father and she came to a simple but profound realization: to be an artist, you simply need to “make art, finish art, and put art on walls.” With this newfound clarity, they opened Casablanca Studio and Gallery at Front Street in 2021, providing Lydia with a platform to showcase her work. Since then, she has held several solo shows around Ohio, participated in group exhibitions, been an artist demonstrator and juror, painted murals, and even taught a NOODLE People workshop.
The NOODLE People series is at the core of Lydia’s artistic expression. Created during her time in Morocco, these playful figures with exaggerated limbs embody the fluidity of human form and movement. Lydia’s approach to painting these figures is both intuitive and abstract, with each piece inviting viewers to project their own emotions and narratives onto the work. The vibrant colors, patterns, and whimsical forms in her art reflect Lydia’s ever-evolving journey as an artist, influenced by her travels and life experiences. The NOODLE People are more than just figures on a canvas; they are a celebration of identity, freedom, and the limitless possibilities of artistic expression.
Looking ahead, Lydia is focused on expanding her artistic practice by pushing the boundaries of her NOODLE People series, incorporating new techniques, and exploring interdisciplinary collaborations. She plans to continue her journey of self-discovery through artist residencies, further enriching her work with diverse cultural perspectives. Lydia is excited about the future, with a strong desire to grow her artistic voice, inspire others through her workshops, and contribute to the broader conversation on the transformative power of art and travel.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road hasn’t always been perfectly smooth, but it hasn’t been overly difficult either. Art, for me, is a state of flow, and I’ve always tried to honor that natural rhythm. I made a conscious decision early on that I never want to “force” myself to create, especially when I’m not in the right headspace. I try not to put unnecessary pressure on myself to produce work when the inspiration or energy isn’t there. This mindset has been crucial to maintaining my creativity and ensuring that my work remains authentic and enjoyable. One of the reasons I chose not to make art my main profession or primary source of income was to allow myself the freedom to create without the added restrictions of deadlines or external pressures. This freedom has been essential for me to explore my art on my own terms, allowing the work to come naturally and without constraints.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
The NOODLE People series is all about evolution. I’m constantly tweaking and evolving my work, and I love being able to look back at my pieces over the years and see how they’ve changed. What I find particularly exciting is exploring how far I can push the same subject matter and the different ways I can portray it. I like to think of my art as a tree—the trunk of the tree being my NOODLE People series, which serves as the foundation of my work and style. From that trunk grow branches that represent the various directions my art has taken.
Some of these branches include Noodle Heads, a more abstract version of the NOODLE People heads, typically rendered in line art with limited color. Another branch is Skelenoodles, where I explore the internal structure of my figures, merging the concept of skeletons with the whimsical noodle form. I also have my Masterworks Noodle People, where I take well-known masterpieces, like the Mona Lisa, and “noodle-fy” them, putting my own playful twist on iconic art. Extra Noodle People explores the interaction between foreground and background, often overlapping to create dynamic tension within the composition. More recently, I’ve ventured into Folk Noodle People, drawing inspiration from folk art and other cultural expressions, which adds a new layer of texture and depth to my work.
What excites me most about this evolution is that each new direction opens up endless possibilities for growth. The NOODLE People have become a living, breathing entity in my art, and I can’t wait to see where they go next.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My dad has been my biggest supporter and mentor throughout my artistic journey. In 2020, we made a pact to take our art seriously, and since then, we’ve held each other accountable. We constantly share ideas, discuss our work, critique each other’s pieces, and influence each other. His insight, encouragement, and unwavering belief in my potential have been invaluable in helping me grow as an artist and take risks in my work. Together, we co-founded Casablanca Studio and Gallery at Front Street, a space that’s become a significant part of both of our artistic practices.
My mom has also played a vital role in supporting my art. She has always been a source of encouragement and support. Her belief in me has given me the confidence to pursue my art with passion and commitment.
In addition to my parents, I am fortunate to have a community of fellow artists, friends, and supporters who inspire me, attend my shows, and offer invaluable feedback. The encouragement from those around me keeps me motivated to keep pushing my boundaries and evolving my work.
Pricing:
- reach out to me via email lydiawdesign@gmail.com or on instagram @lydianoodlegirl if you are interested in the price of any of my work
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lydianoodlegirl/
