Discover theLuneal
About LuNeal
LuNeal joined the art world in 2020 as a self-taught fiber artist. Defying the odds of mainstream art, LuNeal has carved a niche for herself and other artist who reference fiber as their medium. LuNeal is a well-respected and sought after artist who is happy to lend her talent to the resurgence of fiber art here at home and abroad. Through her work, she is able to merge her passion with purpose to bring attention to black culture and social injustice. Her aesthetic reminds us that this medium has both depth and range. She expresses this through captivating colors and textures, and equally dark and transformative themes.
"Growing up, I was quiet and mostly kept my creativity to myself. I wrote songs, poetry, sketched faces I never met, and places I'd never been to. I second guessed myself a lot, and felt that sickle cell would rob me of any goals I was bold enough to aspire to. I allowed myself to become a people pleaser, and put my voice and my interests to the side for the sake of others. For a long time I never quite fit into one category and that troubled me. For that reason, it's taken me longer to know that I belong wherever my gifts and talents take me. I reside in the intersection of art and expression. I'm a proud multidisciplinary artist that aspires to motivate others to honor their gifts by believing in themselves and their journey."
My Inspiration
LuNeal learned at an early age that the best things in life are cultivated by hand. Originally born in Louisiana, LuNeal's parents planted a garden of tomatoes, fruit trees, and purple hull peas at their home, and on their grandparent's land. With summer visits to orchards in Frierson, La, she also learned quickly the sweetest watermelons were sold just south of I-49. She was equally blessed with two aunts that were skilled garment makers. She watched over the years how fibers and thread were used to create masterful works of style and beauty. The garments created by the hands of Doris Jenkins and Gussie Taylor were always the talk of people around her. This played a pivotal role in who she would later become in her adult years.
Artist Statement
LuNeal's work is organic and created without a blueprint. The pieces she creates are vessels used to educate the world on themes and colors found throughout the African diaspora. She sees herself as a historian who retells the richness of her culture through colors, patterns, and textures. Her first collection was created as an homage to HBCU's (historical black colleges and universities); and now she's focusing on giving a voice to marginalized and oppressed groups of people. Her goal is to use fiber art as a tool for educating the public. She wants people to see that what divides us also unites us on many different levels.
Supporting Artists
There has been a resurgence of fiber art globally. This medium has grown in popularity due to its rich textures and three-dimensional aesthetic which is popular among collectors, galleries, and museums. Fiber art is now the respected art form that graces the hallowed halls of places such as the MoMA, Smithsonian, and the Whitney Museum, just to name a few. While strides for equity and diversity have been made in the art community, it is still an uphill battle for many African-American artists. Between 2008 and 2022, black artists only accounted for 2.2% of art acquisitions and 6.3% of art exhibitions." We are invisible only when we remain silent. The need for more inclusivity must be demanded by curators, gallerists, and the public. Hopefully, then, we can allow artistic expression to thrive in all places, for all people.