Today our Words of Wisdom artwork comes from Lakwena Maciver…enjoy!

Describe a bit about yourself and your work?
I studied Graphic Media Design:Illustration at London College of Communication, graduating in 2009. I’m now practising as a graphic artist, and my work is inspired by patterns, hand-painted signs, global textiles, street style and retro typography. My work includes graphic design, illustration, printed textiles, set design and mural painting.

What are your words of wisdom and why?
My words of wisdom were ‘You don’t know what you got till it’s gone’, from the Joni Mitchell song Big Yellow Taxi. I love the song, and I think that line is just so true. A reminder to appreciate what we have right now while it’s here, rather than living in the future and missing the present.

Who is your role-model?
My role-model is Jesus Christ. Everything good in my life comes from him. In my work, I don’t have a particular role-model, but Emory Douglas, the ‘revolutionary artist’ of the Black Panther party, and later its Minister of Culture, is someone who really inspires me. I think the fusion of art with politics is really exciting, and the idea of using art to serve the community, and to affect real life in some way, rather than just hanging in galleries, or being used in advertising, is something I really believe in and dream of doing.

Upcoming projects?
My most exciting project right now is for the Secret Garden Party, where I’m designing the set for one of the tents this year - Wormfood’s Valley of the Antics. It’s really nice to be working on such a large scale, and hopefully making a real impact with the visuals. If you’re going to the festival, please drop by!

Website/Links?
www.lakwena.com