Meet David Lovejoy of Lovejoy Art and Design

Today we’d like to introduce you to David Lovejoy.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born in Hollywood in 1962 and grew up in the surrounding valleys and foothills. I married and went to work straight out of high school, working in various print shops through the 80’s. From there it was a logical move into graphic design, and from there, advertising and marketing. Throughout that time, I attended various colleges at night for art and design, ending up at Saddleback College in San Juan Capistrano. I had worked in clay since 1978, and found a home in the ceramics department there, learning from Tom Gaines, Richard White, Don Ryan and Scott Young. I continued my design education there as well.

In 2004, my wife, an engineer, had an opportunity on a big project in Oregon which led us to relocate there for a year and a half. I left my job as Director of Marketing for a southern California electronics manufacturer and immersed myself in my art, ceramics, full time. My first solo exhibition was in Oregon, I set up my studio and got a job teaching wheel-throwing there.

When we returned to California, we settled into an old Craftsman bungalow in Pasadena. I had planned to dive right back into my claywork, but the old electrical system could not support my kilns, and months of work was needed to make it so.

I have always collected old parts of furniture and machinery, with an appreciation of the patina of timeworn things. Without my kilns, I turned to assemblage, taking these parts and pieces and attaching them to some of my existing claywork. I used the form as a base and added architectural structures atop them.

In 2008, I rented a studio in the Spring Arts Tower on Gallery Row in downtown Los Angeles. I continue there still, in a different studio. Having a clay studio at home and an assemblage studio downtown, I soon found myself spending most of my time downtown, with my production of assemblage and installation art overtaking my claywork.

Any question which includes “how I got to where I am” must include sculptor Patrick Dougherty. I had an opportunity to assist Patrick on his sculpture “Catawampus” at the Los Angeles County Arboretum in 2008. We hit it off and I assisted him on six other sculptures over the following years. I received referrals of commissions from Patrick when he received requests for projects where he was already scheduled elsewhere, which included a large series of works at Google’s headquarters in Canada, and a willow structure at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles.

The mentoring I received from Patrick, the ability to work side-by-side with him through the entire process, was invaluable. After several independent large-scale projects delivered on time and on budget, I now have a reputation as someone who can do what I say I can do, or find a better alternative.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
A recurring challenge when starting out is having to say no. While our culture enjoys looking at art, making art is not broadly considered a trade. One is often asked to make work for the exposure it will bring, or asked to donate work in support of a cause. Until you know better, it’s difficult to say no to these requests. The promise of exposure and ‘being seen by the right people’ is so enticing. I had a few conversations where someone sought me out to add some visual flavor to their project, only to be met with stunned silence when I asked about the budget.

Another challenge as a Los Angeles artist is the film and television industry. More than once I’ve been shown another artist’s work and asked, “could you do something like this?” It’s difficult to stand your ground when you know it’s going to happen with or without you, and it’s been a while since you’ve brought home a check.

Please tell us about Lovejoy Art and Design.
Lovejoy Art & Design has been based in downtown Los Angeles since 2009. My office is on the mezzanine of the Spring Arts Tower on the corner of 5th and Spring Streets, above the Last Bookstore. I have created much of the art within the bookstore, and my office is a bit of a “cabinet of curiosities” – my contraption emporium.

I’m known for my shadow-box assemblage works, and the larger installations I’ve done here and abroad. It is a point of pride that every large LovejoyArt installation has been completed on time and on budget.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I’ve always been fascinated with odd machines and contraptions. My favorite place as a child was the California Museum of Science and Industry, where the California Science Center now stands. The kinetic displays there, depicting gravity and energy, entranced me for hours. I also grew my love of playing with scale there, marveling at their extensive model train setup.

Similarly, I often visited the Griffith Observatory, with its huge pendulum and the big Zeiss projector in the center of the Planetarium. The scientific gadgetry I wondered at as a child shows up often in my work.

Contact Info:

• Address: Lovejoy Art & Design
  453 So. Spring St., Studio M3
  Los Angeles, CA 90013
• Website: www.lovejoyart.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/lalovejoyart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/L.A.Lovejoy/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/lovejoyart

Image Credit:
Molly Tierney Photography

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