Visual Art

Lilian Kebudi:

The Power in Letting Go

15 September 2023

How Lilian Kebudi materializes abstract visions into free-flowing, 2D paintings.

Blending colors and forms with effortless strokes, Lilian Kebudi mesmerizes the world with her nostalgic color palette and free-flowing figures. Kebudi is an emerging artist based in New York City, passionately devoted to creating ethereal 2D paintings that delicately embody organic forms reminiscent of femininity and nostalgia. Born in Brazil, Kebdui made her way to the United States in 1997 where she worked in the fashion industry as a graphic designer for over 18 years. Departing from this profession, the budding artist made the bold decision to completely focus her creativity on her artist career. Kebudi has gracefully embraced her signature style, and among her creations, "Dancing Graces," has triumphantly claimed the first-place honor in the Liquid Project's 2023 August art contest.

Kebudi's creative process is an enchanting journey. When an abstract vision enters her mind, she delves into introspection, contemplating the purpose behind this image. She ponders over what it signifies and how it intertwines with her own experiences and emotions. As she progresses through the creation process, her "why" becomes a fluid entity, constantly shifting and transforming. It is not confined to the final artwork alone, but extends beyond its completion. Lilian immerses herself in the exploration of meaning, seeking to understand herself and her surroundings. With each stroke of the brush, her understanding deepens, taking her on a profound voyage of self-discovery and interpretation. Her creative process, as a result, is a never-ending cycle of growth, reflection, and transformation.

“Through my art, I tell my story, moments of my life, thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. My paintings solidify these feelings, creating a space for them and validating them.”

Kebudi is an artist who constantly challenges herself by pushing the boundaries of her own artistry. In her quest to create captivating paintings, she makes a conscious effort to not overthink her line-work. She recognizes that overthinking can hinder her creativity, so she taps into her intuition, instinct, and inner knowledge instead. She embraces the inherent flow of her artistic process and allows her imagination to take control. As she battles her inner critic, a voice that can paralyze her innate creativity, she focuses on letting go. This deliberate choice to relinquish control allows Lilian to create free-flowing, boundless, and organic artwork. Through her relentless pursuit of artistic liberation, Kebudi's paintings radiate with authenticity and capture the essence of her creative spirit.

Lilian's painting, "Dancing Graces," is a captivating work that draws inspiration from The Three Graces in Botticelli's secular painting, "Primavera”. In explaining her inspiration, Lilian's words were truly magnetic. She described her vision of the painting, where she could not see three graces, but rather two, as if she herself was the third one, dancing alongside them outside the canvas. Lilian sought to capture the essence of unity and synchrony in her artwork. Anyone would agree that Kebudi was successful as the movement and elegance captured in "Dancing Graces" truly transports the viewer to a world of grace and enchantment.

“My art speaks to anyone. It opens conversations about feelings and moments in life that people can relate to. It is important for me to connect with people at this level and share feelings and emotions. It creates a sense of support, feeling less alone in this world, and creates empathy towards each other.”

“Dancing Graces”, Acrylic on canvas, 2023

Lilian Kebudi is an artist whose talent and potential are truly remarkable. Her ability to touch people's souls through her work is a testament to her creativity and vision. As she fine-tunes her artistry, it is clear that she is committed to the continuous evolution of her craft, constantly exploring new depths of herself and her abilities. Lilian's call for readers to connect with her and foster a community around her artwork demonstrates her desire to create a space where her art can inspire and bring people together. With her unique perspective and unwavering passion, Lilian Kebudi is undoubtedly an artist to watch, and her future promises to be filled with even greater artistic achievements.

Images provided by the artist, Lilian Kebudi.

Lilian’s work can be viewed on her website and instagram.

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