Ava Lambert

  • BIO

    Ava Lambert is a self-taught artist, born and based in Minneapolis. Lambert acquires inspiration from her surroundings, taking her own reference photos and reinterpreting them on canvas. Her detailed paintings often include everyday objects and overlooked scenes or subject matter. She is drawn to elements of nature and modern landscapes, highlighting the interaction between man-made structures and the environment. In addition to her studio practice, Lambert frequently accepts commissions and provides illustration work for select design and stationery companies.

Artist Statement

I am a representational artist captivated by the intricacies within and between the natural world and the structures we create. My current work focuses on the transformation of our modern landscape and the integration our entire beings have within this change. I believe that landscapes, whether mundane or stunning or in between, tell stories. Places are our experienced reality and evoke real emotional and physical reactions. My goal is for my art to transport the viewer to a space where memories are stirred and to invite reflection on our connections to both the environment and the built world. Even in places that may be foreign to the viewer, this connection can still be felt as a sense of longing or fascination. Each piece invites viewers to explore the interplay of nature and humanity and to discover their own personal resonances.

In most of my works, I aim to highlight beauty in the everyday and transform the overlooked into something profound. In this way, I aspire to create a bridge between the viewer and the scene, allowing for a moment of pause and introspection in our fast- paced lives. Ultimately, my art is an exploration of the emotional landscapes we navigate those spaces that evoke a sense of familiarity and nostalgia or unfamiliarity and intrigue. I draw profound inspiration from the Dutch Golden Age, a time when artists shifted from painting the ornate and otherworldly to masterfully representing intimate scenes of everyday life and landscapes. Their ability to capture the nuances of light, texture, and atmosphere informs my approach to painting. I strive to evoke a similar sense of intimacy and connection in my work, portraying moments that celebrate both the ordinary and the extraordinary.

Little About Ava

What inspires your work?

Bonfires, night games, and snow days.

What is something unexpected about you that often surprises people?

In addition to being an artist, I am an analytical chemist.

What do you consider your most significant achievement as an artist?

Connecting with others through my paintings. The greatest feeling is having collectors “get it” and feel as deeply about a piece as I do.

How has your work evolved over time?

Being self-taught, I am constantly learning about new techniques, materials, and theories. As these all develop, my work quality improves as well as my artistic vision.

Is there a particular medium or subject you're drawn to, and why?

I am drawn to oils for my own practice because it allows me to achieve a higher level of realism. Oil also has a glowy, transparent quality that I like. This is useful in the evening and dusk scenes that I am drawn to portraying.

What's the most challenging part of being an artist?

The hardest part of being an artist is being an artist in addition to every other role you need to run a business. And, creating when you don’t want to.

Do you have a favorite piece you've created? Why does it stand out?

I aim to improve and impress myself with every new piece I create, so my most recent work always naturally becomes my favorite. I tend to like my newest pieces more because they become even truer to my artistic vision as well. My favorite specific piece is my Vermeer master copy of Girl Reading a Letter at an Open Window. I spent 2 years on this piece, and it helped shape the way I currently approach painting.

Where were you born and where did you grow up?

I was born and grew up near Minneapolis. I love painting scenes from my hometown and the city and capturing the feeling of midwest-notalgia so familiar to others from here.

Who are your artistic influences or mentors?

Some of my current favorite artists/influences are Zoey Frank, Jeremy Miranda, Steve Mills, Cornelius Bega, Rachel Sard, Mike Lynch, Nick Alm, Rod Penner, Marco Grassi, and Jess Allen, to name a few.

What advice would you give to emerging artists?

Be curious and create constantly - it’s easier to evolve by learning from your mistakes versus getting it right the first time - and keep creating whatever it is that draws you in. There’s no point in doing anything, especially a self-expressive practice, if you’re trying to conform to a trend. You’ll make your own niche this way and create a demand that only you can supply. And, like every other business venture, make as many connections as possible. Go to open studios, gallery events, and interact and make friends with other artists in your community.

Ava's Art

View all