Artist based in Brooklyn, NY
Lindsey (Lou) Howard, Portrait of the Artist. Photo by Taryn Segal
Tell us about yourself, what's your background?
I've always made things and had a love of objects. I'm not sure if there was a conscious decision to pursue being an artist, more of a continued desire to give tangibility to different thoughts. Finding ceramics created a sense of clarity for my work- clay is continually inspiring and was a medium that supported my vision, passions, and research interests easily. And, like most people, I really like food. I found the universal experience of eating extremely moving. These variables all contribute to the work I make today, which focuses on the intersections of food, culture, and value and using food as an index for measuring shifts in different aspects of our lives.
Rotting Relic. 2024. Ceramics, glaze. 21 x 15 x 15 inches.
“My practice uses food as a visual language to dive into larger conversations of American socio-culture, politics, identity, religion, value systems, and so on. Ideas can start both in the world or in the studio. Clay requires patience. Building, drying, firing, glazing, firing, lustering, firing- it can be a while before you see a finished sculpture."
Plant Based. 2022. Ceramics, glaze. 21 x 13 x 13 inches. Photo by Izaac Costiniano.
What are you currently working on and where did the inspiration for it come from?
I just finished a ceramic sculpture of a butchered Butter Cow. I'm currently interested in food emblems of Americana and fell into the rich history of butter as a sculpture and craft medium. The act of butchering the Butter Cow allowed me to critique and mock the product and profit obsessed nature of the food industry.
Butchered Butter Cow (Salted). 2025. Ceramics, glaze. Dimensions vary. Photo by Todd Midler.
Innovation does not only happen in the field of technology — it occurs everyday in a creative practice. What do you do for inspiration?
Eat, read, sleep. My subject matter is a part of the everyday experience. So to live another day, to eat another day, to sleep another day is, oftentimes, inspirational. Food is a human necessity and a human right. It’s important to learn about the origins of food through immigration and labor, how it's made, and the people that make it.
Portrait of the artist in the studio. Photo by Joshua Tarn
Describe your practice and process. Where do ideas start for you? In the studio or being in the world?
My practice uses food as a visual language to dive into larger conversations of American socio-culture, politics, identity, religion, value systems, and so on. Ideas can start both in the world or in the studio. Clay requires patience. Building, drying, firing, glazing, firing, lustering, firing- it can be a while before you see a finished sculpture. I'm usually working on multiple pieces at a time to accommodate the waiting game. Ideas tend to happen during that time- when you're at the studio working and waiting, the conversations you have with the work are always expanding. I also take inspiration from observations in how we interact with food on a daily basis, the industrial food complex as a whole, advertising and marketing techniques, trends and fads, larger food news and concerns, all make their way into the work.
Left: Detail of Butchered Butter Cow (Salted), 2025. Ceramics, glaze. Dimensions vary. Right: Detail of Butchered Butter Cow (Salted), 2025. Ceramics, glaze. Cow Head: 19 x 18 x 12.5 inches.
How do you make your work, does it start with a sketch?
I sketch more so to not forget any ideas rather than trying to actively plan any compositions. My style combines surrealism, yummy colors and a bit of violence. At the moment, my style feels most inspired by funk ceramics, punk culture, and a sense of humor.
Studio view, work in progress
Many artists live by their routines, what does that look like for you?
I wouldn't say I have a regular routine or ritual. Sometimes I work during the day, other times I work through the night. I usually have some form of background noise on, but nothing in particular. Snacks vary. The details are all arbitrary, but I’m touching clay almost everyday.
Portrait of the artist. Photo by Tzion Lawrence
Are there books or films that are an important source of inspiration?
How the Other Half Eats by Priya Fielding-Singh; Food Politics by Marion Nestle; Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations.
How will Innovate Grant contribute to your practice?
I'm so grateful to be able to now fund an upcoming project documenting and sculpting everything I eat in a year. The Innovate Grant will be extremely helpful in acquiring the necessary supplies and documentation equipment for the year long endeavor.
Bites of Glory. 2024. Ceramics, glaze, luster. 30 x 25 x 25 inches; removable Apple Sword, 30 x 5.5 x 3 inches.
Stay up to date with Lindsey (Lou) Howard
Website lindseylouhoward.com
Instagram @lindseylouhoward