Answers on a postcard… from artist Laxmi Hussain
Welcome to the latest instalment of my Answers on a Postcard interview series where this month, I’m talking to London-born artist and mother of three, Laxmi Hussain. Based in the hub of Wembley Park with a studio right by the stadium, she has an outdoor public artwork nearby, that she was commissioned to paint in 2022. It feels serendipitous to be talking to Laxmi in the run up to Mother’s Day, as her work largely explores the female form, and she’s drawn to exploring the early chapters of becoming a mother. Her children can often be found with her in the studio, as she navigates the realities of parenting, motherhood and work. Fun fact — I first met Laxmi when we both worked at Mr & Mrs Smith, so it’s a true joy to have seen her creativity and work as an artist take off from afar (thank you, Instagram!). So, let’s dive in.
Q. Thanks for being part of this series, Laxmi! Can you start by telling me a little about your work and creative practice?
My work revolves around the female form and what is particularly intriguing to me is the idea of connection, especially through the early stages of motherhood; the intimate connections we hold to one another. I draw a lot, drawing is a large part of the way that I work and then I move to painting afterwards, having explored my ideas through drawing. I draw and paint mostly in the colour blue — it’s a nod to my late mother as it was her favourite colour, and a way to keep her with me.
Q. How would you describe your style of work? How has your practice developed over time?
A. My work is quite fluid, it plays with abstract but at the same time you are able to distinguish recognisable forms of the body. As time as gone on there is a quiet confidence which has evolved, when I think of my drawings and paintings just five or six years ago, sometimes I cringe. There is something about being given the facility to practise my art on a daily basis which helps me to improve, and become more confident with the strokes and lines which have become my own.
There are a few disciplines within my art: drawings, painting, creating occasional up-cycled lamps, sometimes design collaborations and recently working in clay. They all inhabit their own distinctive style depending on how I adapt and connect with the material - it used to bother me how different these separate things can be, however I now think that is just the nature of being an artist and I'm ok with that.
Q. Who or what inspires you? And how do you unlock a creative block?
A. Just being given time in my studio allows me to unwind and think about all the things I want to explore, but I now heavily rely on the other things which allow my mind to have respite from always thinking about making. Going to the gym, taking a walk, being with friends and family - rest is so important. Unlocking a creative block is just like anything, you just keep showing up, some days will be hard and maybe you'll just reshuffle, cleanse and tidy - but all these things help me to think and come back to creating.
Q. As well as your art, you've worked on a wide variety of commissions for brands and partners. Do you have a favourite type of project or brief?
A. I love the projects where we are trying to navigate new spaces, for example, working on concrete steps or designing a pair of spectacles which feel like one of my drawings in reality. I love the challenge of having a different canvas expecially if it means thinking out of the box to how an artist would traditionally work.
Q. Do you have any advice for other creatives that you wish you'd known earlier?
A. It sounds cliché, but anything you really want you have to work hard for. I don't know that there is a perfect balance - if I want to avoid something and allow myself to draw, I will spend the whole day drawing and the evening feeling really silly for not focusing on the thing I actually need to do. So I think for me, it’s discipline; making sure I push myself to do the things which I have to and not delaying them until the last minute. I also think it’s important for artists to know their worth. So many people will try to dictate this for you because there is no set structure for how to value yourself as an artist. Understanding this and sticking to how you value your work is really important.
Q. What are your plans and ambitions for 2026 and beyond? Is there anyone you'd love to work with or projects you'd love to see come to life?
A. I've got some exciting things lined up this year - I'm going to be a judge for an art prize (more info on that coming soon). I'm also going to have a short solo show where I plan to host some experiences/workshops during the exhibit (pencilled in for early September). I've already taken part in a couple of group shows, including an exhibition which is still on at 99 Bishopsgate (you can see more here) which includes a print I made as part of a residency at Print Club London late last year. Other than that I'm not sure what this year holds - it’s always exciting to see what opportunities come along.
In terms of plans, I would really love to take part in another residency - last year I had the brilliant opportunity to become resident artist at Print Club London, learning how to screen print in their studios and learn the process it takes to print in this way. I really loved that, and it made me realise the importance of opportunities like this to change and grow your work. My work is still exploring things I did during my residency and I love that I had that time.
You can see more of Laxmi’s work on her website here, and follow her on Instagram here.