Interview by Torie Zalben

1-One word to describe Summer Wheat?  Hilarious.

2-Where do you currently live and create?  Ridgewood, Queens! I’ve been in the same studio building for over a decade.

3-When did you first realize you wanted to become an artist?  When I was 6.

4-Can you describe your earliest memory of creating art?  I used to draw the air conditioning vents in my dad’s car. I liked the shapes that the vents would make, and I would change the positions of the vents to make different patterns while we were driving.

5-Who are some of the artists or movements that have influenced your style?  So many! Now I like to look at artifacts, anything ancient, and many anonymous pieces or crafts from different cultures. I’m inspired by ancient imagery that speaks to us today, even with the passage of time.

6-Are there non-artistic influences that play a role in your creative process, such as literature, music, or nature?  Everything is an influence. I never know where a thought will come from. I once made a series of painting about puddles that were inspired by potholes.

7-What role does your personal background or culture play in your work?  I grew up in Oklahoma, and am influenced by Native American art from the region. It’s part of the culture there, and you can find native art and craft pieces for sale easily. It’s part of why I gravitate towards other ancient artwork and geometric symbols.

8-Can you walk us through your creative process, from initial concept to finished piece?  I developed a method of building a painting, which starts with a digital drawing on my iPad. Through collaboration with my studio, the drawing is transferred at scale to wire mesh or screen. I then use various tools, like my fingers, piping bags for icing, and plastic scrapers, to push paint through the wire mesh. We do this through the back of the artwork, and the paint takes on a gridded texture as it’s extruded through the screen. Once the painting is finished, black gouache is hand-painted on top over black areas for a deeper color, and then the edges are trimmed to size. The finished painting is like a big paint skin dried around the mesh.

9-Do you follow a daily routine or ritual when creating art?  I try to walk 3 miles a day, no matter what. It helps ground me when I’m creating art.

10-Is every piece you create pre planned or spontaneous?  Both.

11-If you weren’t an artist, what do you think you would be doing?  A lawyer.

12-What is your state of mind when creating?  I’m trying not to have any state of mind, and I’m working to get beyond it.

13-What book/film/work of art most recently captured your attention and why?  I love the documentary: Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision. It shows her courage and what she was up against while making the Vietnam memorial.

14-What’s next for you as an artist? Any upcoming projects or goals you’re excited about?  I’m excited to have work in Frieze LA!

15-Where can we find more of your work?  My solo show “Safety Net” opens at Andrew Reed Gallery in Miami on January 10th, 2025, and I’ll have new work with Nazarian / Curcio in a group show titled, “Midnight Garden” that day as well. In February I’ll also have new paintings in Nazarian / Curcio’s booth at Frieze LA.

16-How would someone find you on social media? Instagram @summerwheatlillian