Sweetheart
is a sculptural valentine to the artist’s lover and longtime
companion Mary Carter. They met in 1985 as Lakich was mounting her 20-year
retrospective at the Museum of Neon Art. Carter came to work at the Museum
and eventually became its director, remaining in that capacity for 13 years.
Their 14½ year relationship was highlighted by travel to Bali, Japan,
and China as well as trips throughout the United States.
Together they curated exhibitions for the Museum of Neon Art and other cultural
venues, restored the Museum's collection of vintage neon signs for display
at Universal CityWalk, and secured the Museum’s permanent home at Hope
and Olympic in downtown Los Angeles.
Lakich
has created a number of portraits of intimate partners during her long career;
with the exception of her two portraits of Mary Carter, all were created after
the relationships were over.
