L.A.’s Best Kept Art Secret: Read All About This Model-Turned Gallerist
Gallerist and Founder of Whitcher Projects, Los Angeles
Among the model-turn-gallerists in California, Lisa stands out, not just because of her height and gorgeous look but for her zeal for art collecting. Whip-smart and outstandingly perspicacious, Lisa has an adventurous and subversive career approach, especially having worked alongside Stefan Simchowitz. Intrigued by mind-blowing bright catalysts such as the Joshua-Tree-based artist Darren Goins and the Ohio-based painter Zachary Armstrong while working as a staffer in Stefan’s venture, Lisa founded Whitcher Projects.
In this style talk, Lisa talks about her affection for butt-kicking style with all white Doc Martens, how the flourishing African art scene exhilarates her, and why she is love-struck by pioneering artist, Marcel Duchamp!
What does your ideal working outfit look like?
One that once I get dressed, I feel good and do not find myself fussing with it throughout the day. I’m usually in Acne jeans, a basic tee and boots. I’ve been wearing all white Doc Martens recently. I love them.
What’s best: heels or flats? Which brand or style?
I am 6’0” and will rock a heel if I need to, but flats are probably best. Nike Air Max’s are a favorite and I love a fun Derby or Oxford style flat to dress things up a bit. I have a great floral pair by Dries Van Noten.
What’s your favorite art-related blog or app?
Instagram is always reliable and I love the arts section in the Financial Times.
What was the last thing you bought and loved?
A fantastic painting by The Estate of Joel Mesler.
What is/are your personal style signifier(s)/identifier(s)?
A bit of high and low and the mix of the two. I am very feminine and I like to contrast that with a more sporty/tomboyish style. I love shopping in the men’s section of the store as much as the women’s.
What’s your necessary extravagance?
A 90-minute full body massage and peanut M&M’s.
Three things/products you always need to have in your purse?
I’m not a huge fan of purses and tend to avoid them as much as possible. Three things I always have on me are a credit card, driver’s license and my cell phone – usually shoved in my pockets.
What’s your ultimate beauty secret after long working hours?
A HOT bath with Epson salts and lots of bubbles.
What’s/are your favourite work(s) of art?
L’Origine du monde by Courbet blew my mind when I first viewed it at Musée d’Orsay in Paris many years ago.
What in the art world excites you currently most?
Africa, in particular Accra, Ghana.
Most sexiest art person?
Oh, geez.
Where are you off to next? (can be city, venue, exhibition, shop, person…)
As the holidays are approaching, I will be heading to Florida and Houston, TX to visit family. While in Houston I always visit The Menil Collection, particularly the Cy Twombly Gallery. It’s breathtaking.
Where is your next art trip/travel going to?
I recently traveled to Accra, Ghana and the art community there is young and exciting. I am hoping to return in August 2016 for the Chale Wote Festival.
In your eyes: what is the most arty city?
Paris. That city gives me butterflies.
Someone you have in mind to call the perfect art world gentleman?
Marcel Duchamp.
Which artist should we have on our watch-list?
In no particular order: Petra Cortright, Kour Pour, Zachary Armstrong, Marc Horowitz, Serge Attukwei Clottey, Kate Groobey, Spider and the Bottle, Darren Goins, Luke Diiorio, Lydia Ourahmane, Rose Wylie, Lauren Elder, Haley Mellin, Luc Fuller.
Instagram: @lisampo
Website: www.whitcherprojects.com
Photos: Charles Whitcher
