Allow us to reintroduce A Conversation With, an inspired space featuring the stories of the people in our community we long admire. Kicking off our renewed series is Lilian Martinez, fine artist and designer of BFGF. Below she shares a glimpse of her studio and intuitive, joyful approach to work and life. 

I grew up in Chicago and went to SAIC to study photo. I still use photo as a way to document and share work. I didn't really start learning about art until later in life. Even in college, I felt like I couldn't fully wrap my mind around it. 

I moved to Los Angeles with my husband. We saved up money for about 2 years to make the cross country trip. He worked a photo job where they shot in Los Angeles in the winter. I would tag along and got to explore a bit. I just really like the plants and fruit and colors. It seemed like an exciting place to be.

It happened pretty organically. They both started at different times for different reasons. I started BFGF when I lived in Chicago about 11-12 years ago. I wanted to make pieces that could be used and worn. I was really interested in designing textiles. I was trying to figure out how to do that. And it evolved into accessible art objects.

I started painting when I moved to Los Angeles in 2014-2015. It was just something I wanted to try and I really ended up loving it. It felt fun and freeing and healing. 

I'm shy and introverted in bigger groups of people. My energy just kind of gets zapped when I feel uncomfortable. 

Being able to share my work online I think has helped me create a sense of community and make connections with people. A community can create space and support in a way that feels safe.

I don't worry about separating it too much. My practices nurture my interests. I enjoy thinking about art and being inspired in my everyday life.

Having to take a few steps outside to get to my studio creates a nice subtle boundary for me. Not having a commute frees up time to relax or work more whatever I'm in the mood for.

I wish I could wear more things while I work actually. I try to take care of the clothing I have. So I'm cautious of getting paint on it. I have dedicated painting clothes. 

Lately I like to wear a Deiji matching white linen short and button up set that I've had for 4-5 years now. It's so comfortable. Clothing is important to me and my comfort level. I like sets that feel like a uniform, but also like pajamas. 

I usually can picture the medium in my mind when I get an idea. I'm focused on painting right now. Maybe exploring oil paints would be nice.

Oh thanks :*), that's a nice compliment. I've been spending less time online. I feel like there is a transition happening, and I'm slowly learning to navigate it. 

I celebrate things that I think are beautiful and humorous in my work. I don't really think about it conceptually while I’m working.

In retrospect, I think I wanted to create space for brown bodies like my own to take up space comfortably, safely, and peacefully. 

I like taking baths, hiking, going to museums, watching tv from bed, and eating.

Homemade french fries, shades of green, wearing Pleats Please pants. I'm looking forward to cooler temps.

Harmony Tee by Find Me Now

Cleo Bag by Camille Albertine