Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes: A Young Artist's Role Model Today And Forever
Every person has a talent, and when you are inspired to grow within that talent, life strengthens in happiness. For Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, music was her talent, and for 20-year-old Left Eye fan Erica Martin, multiple forms art is hers. Together, both women have dedicated their lives toward their ambitions, and according to Martin, Lopes left a lasting impression on her that inspires her to want to be someone that makes others smile through her work.
"I don’t want my art to be something people just look past. When I leave this earth, I want people to be wowed by the love that I have for art, just like Lisa did with her music. I want it to live on for generations and generations to come." - Erica Martin
Erica Martin grew up loving TLC and felt excitement for T-Boz, Left Eye and Chilli through their wide catalogue of music over the years. Yet, it was Lopes who played a pivotal role in Martin's life, from when she was a young child to the present day. As a musical artist, Lopes was not only making appearances on several singles by big-named artists in multiple genres of music (including work on her own material), but was equally focused on helping others in need. She was also inspired by her fans and wanted to be there for them, and this was something Martin said she could physically feel, and was something that made her feel special. Today, Martin utilizes her talents to capture Lopes (and other artists that inspire her) through her art.
"Art is a passion of my mine and I thank God every day for the talent He has given me," she said. "I usually get inspired to draw or paint when I'm listening to music or reminiscing about early childhood and admiring other artists work." Lopes is one of those inspirational artists for Martin and according to her, it all started with the music. The lyrics Lopes was writing were not just being recorded to a good beat. They were captivating listeners and Martin was one of her fans listening.
"Dreams are hopeless aspirations in hopes of coming true. Believe in yourself. The rest is up to me and you.” - "Waterfalls" lyrics by Lisa Lopes
"The lyrics from ‘Waterfalls’ are special to me because what it's saying is this: If you can fantasize about living out your dreams, why cant you make it a reality?," Martin said. "If you strongly believe in your heart that a possibility can turn into a reality, make it happen."
Martin took these lyrics to heart and felt inspired to work toward strengthening her artistic talents. Art has always been a passion of hers, but in order to grow within her work, she knew she had to keep practicing. She said Lopes reminded her of this through her music and that it was a lesson she never forgot. In addition to that, Martin said Lopes has touched her heart in another way that's very special to her.
"Art is a passion of my mine and I thank God every day for the talent He has given me," she said. "I usually get inspired to draw or paint when I'm listening to music or reminiscing about early childhood and admiring other artists work." Lopes is one of those inspirational artists for Martin and according to her, it all started with the music. The lyrics Lopes was writing were not just being recorded to a good beat. They were captivating listeners and Martin was one of her fans listening.
"Dreams are hopeless aspirations in hopes of coming true. Believe in yourself. The rest is up to me and you.” - "Waterfalls" lyrics by Lisa Lopes
"The lyrics from ‘Waterfalls’ are special to me because what it's saying is this: If you can fantasize about living out your dreams, why cant you make it a reality?," Martin said. "If you strongly believe in your heart that a possibility can turn into a reality, make it happen."
Martin took these lyrics to heart and felt inspired to work toward strengthening her artistic talents. Art has always been a passion of hers, but in order to grow within her work, she knew she had to keep practicing. She said Lopes reminded her of this through her music and that it was a lesson she never forgot. In addition to that, Martin said Lopes has touched her heart in another way that's very special to her.
"Throughout my life, I have always struggled with what true beauty really is," she said. "Lisa taught me that you don’t have to look like girls in magazines because they don’t really look like that. You can be a size 2 or even an 18 and you will still be beautiful. Beauty is not only from what you see when you look in the mirror, but from what is on the inside. Lisa taught me this and I feel it's her way of reminding me that she loves me for me, and because of her, I really do love who I am."
Martin is one of many fans worldwide who feels inspired by Lopes. But like every fan, she has her own story and own way of representing that inspiration. For Martin, art is not only her talent, but her passion, and by representing Lopes in her work, it's her way of expressing love for her. "Thank you for inspiring me to be happy with who I am," she said. "Thank you for blessing the world with your talents. Even though I wasn’t fortunate to have met you, you will always be someone that I keep close in my heart. Lisa ‘Left Eye’ Lopes, I love you to the stars and back and am happy to call you my role model. Rest In Peace." |
View more art of Erica's artwork of Lisa on Instagram at MindlessBreezy
Photos copyright: Erica Martin, (professional shots, unknown)
Article written by: Christina Chaffin