Q&A: Lyman’s new series is a little uncomfy

Sean Lyman is a naturalized SGFer. His drawings can tend to make viewers cringe a bit, and his new series – Rights of Passage – is getting ready to tour. We stole a few minutes from Sean for a Q&A.

TAG: First, could you give us the long-walk-on-the-beach intro to you?

S.L.: I have been in Springfield for five years now and I am an Assistant Professor of Painting and Drawing at Missouri State University. I am a Kansas transplant, and am enjoying my time in Missouri. I got my Undergraduate Degree from Wichita State University and Masters Degree from the University of Kansas.

TAG: What would people expect to see when you’re featured someplace?

S.L.: Drawings that are thoughtful… I might also expect a little discomfort, like going to the doctor for a shot.

TAG: How long have you been at it?

S.L.: Drawing? I have been drawing since I was a little kid. It started when my Mom used to draw me animals from Zoo Books… she eventually stopped and I had to make my drawings as good as my Mom’s.

TAG: When did you know your calling?

S.L.: Sometime during my junior year of college. I knew the only thing that would make me happy was to be making things.

TAG: “Rights of Passage” almost feels uncomfortable, but oddly inviting. I’m not sure that’s a very good description. It’s been difficult to explain. How would you describe it?

S.L.: It should feel uncomfortable, that is my goal in the end. The work deals with the idea of Identity and how it is easily altered based on situation and experience. The current images all deal with people having pillow case bags on their heads. This is loaded in content, but what I am using it for is the idea of gestation… before the identity is formed.

TAG: It’s going to be exhibited at Arkansas Tech, right? I’m trying to picture the look on a conservative Russelville coed’s face. What kind of response have you received or is this the first showing?

S.L.: I’m not sure how they will respond… Generally the responses I have gotten in the past have been positive.

TAG: Tell me about the connection with the school, you said you’ve been working on it for a while. How did this all come about?

S.L.: I was approached by the Gallery Director who I was in the Texas National 2008 with. He liked my work and it went from there.

TAG: Take me through the creative process. Do you have any rituals?

S.L.: The easiest way I can describe it is solitary. Music is certainly part of my ritual, I will make playlists based on what I think might get me going… but normally it is something that is an intuitive process and comes naturally.

TAG: What drives your inspiration?

S.L.: My experience

TAG: Whose work – historic and current – is your favorite?

S.L.: Jenny Saville, Francesca Woodman, Duerer, Jan van Eyke, Eric Fischl… there are honestly too many to list. And all serve a special purpose. One person I am really enjoying a lot right now is Monica Cook.

TAG: Do you have a favorite Pandora radio station?

S.L.: Clap your hands and say Yeah…

TAG: If you were in a Pixar movie would you be a monster or a robot?
S.L.: Monster

TAG: What actor would be your voice?
S.L.: Sir Anthony Hopkins

TAG: What restaurant has the best cashew chicken in SGF?
S.L.: I can honestly say I have no idea?? That makes me bad I know.

TAG: Favorite Sylvester Stallone movie?
S.L.: Over the Top

TAG: Where can we find your work in SGF?
S.L.: Right now it is only on my Blog

TAG: Give a plug for whatever you’ve got coming up or anything else you’d like to add:
S.L.: This show is going to be traveling to Salt Lake City, Utah in August and again to Hannover, Germany in November.