From Instagram To Fine Arts, Avalon Lurks Is Breaking The ‘Internet Girl’ Mold

Avalon Lurks is using her talent to break the “internet girl” mold.

From directing her own music videos, including “Catholic Girls Vol. 2”, to fine arts, and even painting, Avalon has proved that she’s capable of literally anything. In the Q&A below, Avalon tells us how she uses social media to share her art, the ins and outs of her creative process, and her biggest pet peeves with Instagram.

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Do you direct all of your music videos? If so, what is your creative process?

Yeah! I do. I only have one out right now for my own music, but I directed and filmed a fan video for one of Arca’s songs “Slit Thru.” I’m really proud of that one. I’ve always been a purist when it comes to my work, so it’s really hard for me to feel gratified or liberated about it when it’s been done with someone else. I appreciate the sentiment of collaboration, but I only collaborate with others when it is absolutely necessary to my vision.

Your video for “Catholic Girls Vol. 2” has some serious S&M influences. What was your inspiration behind this particular video?

Most of the visual inspiration came from Nobuyoshi Araki, Tana Louise, and Demonica — a 90s fetish mag. I thought bondage was a really good way to represent the way I feel about the Catholic church and death, which obviously is what the song is about. Ivan and I made that video in one night, with only $20. We both come from extremely Mexican Catholic families, so I felt that he understood and was passionate about the idea I was trying to get across.

You said on your Instagram recently when you posted photos of you modeling for American Apparel that you’re actually “super excited to be objectified by American Apparel.” Why has it been a dream since you were a little girl?

I think there’s a part of every young girl in LA that sees those AA billboards everywhere and wishes they were on them. I’m no different than most teen girls.

How has Instagram helped you in sharing your art with the world?

It’s such a pure way to share your work with the world. I don’t really know people at blogs or anything like that, so it’s the only way I can think of to show people my work and get feedback, aside from real life. I also love and am indebted to the community of artists who follow and support me.

Do you have any particular pet peeves about Instagram?

Only that I get more likes on a photo of myself than any of my work.

Who’s your biggest musical influence?

I suppose it all comes down to 3 artists for me. Depeche Mode, Bjork, and The Cure. My dad was heavy into New Wave, Punk, and all that stuff, so naturally I got passed that torch. He used to play Kraftwerk to put me to sleep when I was a baby!

What do you love about the art scene in LA? Hate about it?

I’m grateful to be in a place that has access to and showcases some of the greatest artists of our time. I don’t hate anything other than the pretense of the scene sometimes, but I feel like that’s a natural part of the art world. It always has been and always will be.

You also paint. When did you start painting?

I’ve been painting since I can remember. My parents always strongly encouraged art in my household. I remember I did a realistic still life of cherries when I was in first grade and I brought it home and nobody believed that I did it. Everyone in my house was really impressed though. I just rolled with it from there because it was something I was good at.

How is your creative process different when you paint from when you make music?

It’s honestly exactly the same. I think I started making beats and writing songs because it’s an opportunity to create something from scratch. I have visions of things I want to see and music I want to hear. I try my best to make them as real as they are in my head.

Is there any other art medium you’ve always wanted to venture into? If so, what is it?

I really want to direct, score, and write a horror film. That’s my dream!

Follow Avalon Lurks on Instagram and Twitter

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Photography by Nedda Afsari

Styling by Alanna Pearl


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