HER ARTISTIC PROCESS?
“What I do is take little tiny photographs, black and white usually. It allows me to create the character. I don’t sketch or anything. I turn on some music to what I feel looks like the person. Then I just go, allowing the color to come out in the face. They all start with the eyes. I believe the eyes are the pathway to the soul.”
WHY ARE THERE SPRINKLES OF PAINT EVERYWHERE?
“I almost always put a little splatter on it. The textured splatter provides movement. It brings a really neat affect to the paintings.”
STRICTLY FIGURATIVE WORK?
“Almost all of my work is contemporary portraitures of either people or animals. I like to work really large. I started including stamps and stencils to create patterns. I’ve probably been doing that for about a year.”
HOW DOES SHE DESCRIBE
HER APPROACH?
“I had teachers who really liked my art and then teachers who tried to change my art at the same time. That was frustrating. I don’t mind doing other styles now but I’m pretty happy with the style I’ve got going. I don’t think I will change too much. I think my style is fresh. I haven’t seen much like it.”
ON THE SIDE
On the weekend, Lakey earns some extra money at the Planet Pottery studio in Jacksonville Beach.
WHO’S HER MAIN INFLUENCE?
“I like Picasso. He’s probably the biggest influence on my paintings even though you don’t see much here that looks like his work. I’ve learned a lot through happy accidents, but since then I’ve learned about artists such as Jackson Pollock. I‘m probably more influenced now by other artists because I’ve learned about the great artists.”
HOW DID SHE GET INTO ART?
“I’m not trained in art very much. I did this kind of stuff in high school, but only in pencil or marker. When I went to college, I took a drawing class to learn to shade. I went home, bought a canvas and started painting. I did cartoons and sand sculptures even when I was real little. It was second nature. It was very easy for me.”
WHAT INSPIRES HER?
“Creation itself. I’m very creative. I can do pretty much any medium and I’m very fast. It takes me eight hours, at the most, to do a painting. I’m happiest when I’m painting or creating anything.”
EDUCATION
Lakey attended the University of Nebraska at Kearney and is currently enrolled at the University of North Florida as an art major. “I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do but I knew I liked drawing. My twin brother went to the same school as I did. He eventually graduated with a film degree and is trying to produce films in Salt Lake City. He’s making no money and I’m making no money but we’re both doing what we love.”
WHAT DOES SHE LIKE BEST
ABOUT HER WORK?
“I just love doing it. It’s the most fun. It also relieves a lot of stress for me.”
WHAT’S MOST CHALLENGING?
“Sometimes, it’s hard divvying my time between my art and my husband.”
FAMILY
Dale Hartt, Lakey’s husband, will be hitting the books with her next semester. Having recently parted company with the U.S. Navy, Hartt is now seeking a bachelor’s degree in finance. They recently bought a lot on the Southside where they plan to build a log home.
HOME STATE
Colorado.
WHERE HAS SHE SHOWN
HER WORK?
Catamount Arts Center in Vermont was her first exhibition outside of school. Artists’ Corner has scheduled an opening March 7, showcasing four female artists to benefit the Women’s Center of Jacksonville which will feature Lakey’s work.
WHAT IS SHE WORKING ON NOW?
“I’ve been working on a book [of paintings called “Book of Bones”]. I’m thinking of using some of the book stuff for the show to test it out there. They’re all skeletons. They all have very big heads. I’ve already got three dealers lined up in Vermont.”
WHY STAY IN JACKSONVILLE?
“I’m doing well here. I’ve been here three years and, finally, I got a show. I’ve probably sold seven paintings since August.”
HOBBIES
To stay fit, Lakey runs trails and practices yoga. In the past, she coached cross country running. For entertainment, Lakey enjoys the French film “Amelie” and the book “Modoc: The Greatest Elephant that Ever Lived.” On Tuesday night she gets together with other artists from her guild to draw.
— by Monica Chamness