Meet the Creator: Lily Valour
“A very big part of my personality has been shaped by wanting to feel like whoever I exist as can have some sort of impact or significance in the world.”
Queen of Spades, 2023
CREATING A COMMUNITY
Long before the inception of her brand, Valour Art Co., Lily Valour unashamedly expressed herself and her individuality, pushing against societal norms and social pressures. “I grew up with a lot of insecurities, struggling with the status quo, and expectations from society. I always liked fighting against those. When I first joined my friend’s clothing brand in 2016, streetwear was very geared towards men and there wasn’t a lot of women in it at the time. By wearing men’s clothes and styling them in a way that made them more feminine, that encouraged a lot of people in my community to do the same.”
Through the clothing brand, Lily understood the value of building a community, empowering others, and helping them feel like they were a part of something more. However, life often pulls people in unexpected directions. As time progressed, the clothing brand came to an end, and Lily found herself at a loss for what to do next.
"I went through a period of time when I was really unsure about what I wanted to do or who I was. I didn’t know that there was more or that I could be more.”
STARTING OVER WITH ART
Lily’s journey, which would eventually culminate in the creation of the Valour Art Co., began in 2020 through her finding art again after having taken a long break from drawing. “It started with the Metamorphosis of Ego. That one revitalized my love for art, and then there was a point when I thought, ‘I should try doing this again.’”
Her preferred style is stippling, which is the process of drawing art pieces through small, individual dots. “I think stippling chose me. When I first started drawing in this style, it was relaxing. There’s a lot of patience involved.”
The process was very much her own. Lily has never felt the need to compare herself to others or improve just for the sake of it. “I feel like I just drew whenever I felt like it, whenever it felt fun to me. Without worrying about getting better. Without comparing myself to someone who I felt was better.” As she delved deeper into discovering herself as an artist, the Valour Art Co. began taking shape.
Metamorphosis of Ego, 2020
THE STRUGGLES OF BOUNDLESS AMBITION
Lily’s goals are far from small. Her previous experiences have taught her that this is anything but easy, but Lily is still determined to see it through. By building a brand and a community where others feel welcome, “I want to hold space for people to talk about what’s going on in their mind as they create art. The art itself is very cool, but the person behind it, I think, is more interesting. I’m trying to identify those people and give them confidence to keep doing what they’re doing.”
Every piece she creates is a reminder of the focus and perseverance that goes into bringing an idea to actualization, one dot on the paper at a time. With a style that requires a lot of time and patience, she’s fully aware of the obstacles ahead.
“It’s hard for me to not feel like I have to work all the time. There’s this pressure to be ‘The Artist’ 24/7, but it’s important — and part of my responsibility — to supplement the version of me that is not at my desk.”
The Cimmerian Crane, 2023
To others out there with an inkling to create, Lily offers this piece of advice:
“Don't worry so much. If I was worried about my drawing being ‘perfect’ or ‘good enough,’ I don't think I would enjoy it. Worrying gets in the way of your ability to view things authentically. Even if it seems silly or meaningless, do what you like.”
—Written by MagnasX
Follow Valour Art Co on Instagram @valourart.co