Show notes
Today I’m speaking with artist Lakwena Maciver, whose glorious work has wrapped electrical substations, transformed the Bowery Wall, brought hope into a juvenile detention centre in Arkansas, transformed Tate Modern and handbags for Dior, all carrying poignant messages of care.
All of this stemmed from a child drawing her own name to anchor a shifting sense of identity. Those early gestures became a life’s work centred on hope, connection and the courage to speak into public space without dilution.
We talk about the culture shock that shaped her, the spiritual turning point that unlocked her practice, and the Miami wall that changed her trajectory. We also explore how she navigates large-scale public commissions, studio freedom, working with commercial galleries, licensing and her thinking behind her own online shop and merch. If you’ve ever felt torn between ambition and intuition, visibility and vulnerability, or the expectation to deliver versus the instinct to stay true to your vision, this one’s for you.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Embrace your unique journey. Use what you have, stay true to your path and don´t worry about what others are doing or have.
Art in public spaces can have a transformative impact - fostering hope, connection, and a sense of belonging, often deeply impacting unseen or marginalized communities.
Balancing ambition versus intuition, visibility versus vulnerability, and expectation versus authenticity is ongoing for any creative person.
Moving beyond “solo” creation into collaborative and community-focused work renews your creative energy and deepens your impact.
BEST MOMENTS
“I think I started making work from a place of displacement. So, I started drawing and making artwork as a way of trying to empower myself and speak hope to myself.”
“What we protect ourselves from is often exactly where the breakthrough waits - letting something in is sometimes the bravest part of creative life.”
“Try and stay in your lane. Use what you have in your hand. Don't worry about what you haven't got and what other people have.”
EPISODE RESOURCES
https://www.lakwena.com
https://www.instagram.com/lakwena
You can sign up for Lakwena´s newsletter at the bottom of this page - https://shop.lakwena.com
PODCAST HOST BIO
With over 35 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals.
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This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/