LULU DK
Art, pattern, and color are at the heart of everything Lulu deKwiatkowski creates. As the founder of Lulu DK, she has built a career that seamlessly blends fine art, textile design, and intricate shellwork—each piece infused with a vibrant, deeply personal touch. In this conversation, Lulu shares her journey from Parsons to Paris, the inspirations behind her ever–evolving work, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. From childhood fascinations with color to the influence of Ukrainian headdresses on her latest shell art, her creative process is as dynamic as it is instinctual.
can you tell us about yourself and Lulu DK.
I am an artist, textile designer and shell artist.
“I love anything to do with pattern and color.”
I went to Parsons School of Design for fashion but ended up studying fine art and interior design. I moved to Paris and went to a school for Tromp l'oeil painting, from there started creating designs and patterns, art installations on clients' wall. That lead to wallpaper and fabrics and really the start of LULU DK as a company.
Can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to pursue a career in design and art?
From the age of 5. I used to sit across from my older sister and watch as she colored her coloring book absolutely perfectly. Every line was perfect, every color a dream — I wanted to be part of all of it. It was in my blood from a very early age.
“I used to walk into stationary stores and just fixate over all the different colored papers.”
How has your formal education in art and design influenced your creative process?
I went to Parsons School of Design and learned I wanted to be in the interior arts world rather than the fashion world and that was an important steppingstone. Whilst in school in Paris, I learned my passion — working with paint and design within the house.
What inspired you to start Lulu DK, and how has it evolved from its inception to now?
“The biggest change is in my level of confidence, call it old age or wisdom.”
It has allowed me to see things more peacefully and thus makes the process more beautiful and spiritual. With that said, I still have a lot of growing to do — that position is open 😉.
How would you describe the core philosophy behind your designs?
“Nature and color.”
I either want to complete your space with a dollop of color or with the shells give you a story to look into.
Could you walk us through your process for creating a new piece or collection?
My studio is always in my house, so I can be in the center of my work and fall into to it at random hours. I like to place everything on the floor that I am creating and have the ability to walk by it and see how it settles with me, from that I move things around and slowly build upon it.
What are your criteria for selecting materials for your art?
I want everything to have a sense of joy to it.
“I like color and life. Hand-painted and or personal in the case of the shells.”
what are some of the most unexpected sources of inspiration you've encountered that have influenced your designs?
Unusual shapes that one doesn’t usually look at. Have you ever noticed all the shapes of flattened, blackened bubble gum on the sidewalks of NYC? Or all the fallen leaves or flower petals from the trees above onto the ground. I also am greatly inspired by the geometric farmland squares you see from an airplane.
“Regarding the shells, I am hugely inspired by the old ceremonial headdresses that the ladies wore in Ukraine.”
I started the round petal/ Mandala shape, that I currently do, when I discovered these at the outbreak of the war.
In what ways has social media influenced the way you engage with your audience and promote your work?
Social media is both fun and exhausting! I love sharing my artwork instantly and getting amazing feedback. It makes you feel seen and recognized, which for a quiet artist, is always important and motivating. It also has the ability to promote your items quickly and affordably, which for any artist is really important. There is the pressure of feeling like you need to keep up with all the highly skilled videographers and pros that can whip up beautiful video. I love being a little off the cuff, but the pressure to be on screen, not to be on screen, to talk, not to talk can be a bit straining.
“After all i just want to make art!”
Are there any pieces you’ve created that stand out as defining works for you? What makes them special?
My book LULU is definitely a defining body of work for me. A book published by Ammo books 20 years ago, that was a true labor of love. A visual autobiography where everything is done by hand and through collage. This is my best body of work to this day. The artwork will be coming out on my website soon for the first time.
What do you look for in a collaboration with other brands or artists?
“Like–minded ethos: A good sense of color and style.”
How do you balance your creative vision with the operational demands of running Lulu DK?
It isn't totally easy. I really like to delve into my work and everything I do takes time and patience, so it can get distracting, but I have a few helpers always looking for investors, if anyone is keen. haha.
What future projects or aspirations are you most excited about for Lulu DK?
I’m about to launch wallpaper and hand–painted shell panels that I have made.
What advice would you offer to aspiring artists and designers who look up to your success?
“Keep doing what you love, and major in business instead of art!”
Art you can do on your own, business and economics will help you turn it into a profitable business.
How do you find personal fulfillment in your work, and what keeps you motivated?
If you love what you do, then motivation isn't an issue. And personal fulfillment comes with this.