Meet Azurah Hays | Multimedia Artist, Writer, & Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Azurah Hays and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Azurah, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I’ve pursued a creative career, because I’ve found that it’s the only career where I’m guaranteed my individuality. Being an artist, I find that I’m not expected to confine myself into a box that causes me to shrink myself or to be palatable for a specific audience. I can be Azurah, and Azurah is good enough.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am the most proud of the progress I have made as an artist both tangibly and mentally. I appreciate the boldness to try new things, and the humility it takes to start something new. Whether that be a new technique, or learning about and utilizing different tools, different mediums, etc., I appreciate the process, and love looking back to see how far I have become. There will always be so much to learn and it’s been an exciting experience thus far.
I categorize myself as an abstract multimedia artist. I enjoy the abstract genre because I love to be able to create with zero rules, as I believe there isn’t a “right” or “wrong” way to create. It wasn’t easy to get where I am now as an artist, and I’m not at all where I want to be professionally. However, the climb up is a beautiful and crucial part of the journey, and truly I’m just happy to be here. It’s a blessing to be a creative in a time where there is so much to draw inspiration from. The way I have overcome the challenges I’ve faced is to not think so much and to just keep going. I’ve had to appreciate the good days just as deeply as I do my bad days, because it’s part of the process. The biggest lesson that I have learned throughout this journey is to not depend on outward validation, because sometimes your biggest haters will come from those closest to you. Validate yourself and genuine support will find you, just keep shining.
Lastly, the only thing I want the world to know about my brand is that it is not just about the money. I have gotten a few questions throughout my time as an artist regarding the price points of my works and why they’re so low. And simply put, I believe that everyone should have the access to hang beautiful art in their home without having to spend their whole life savings to obtain it. My prices are very intentional as to ensure that whoever my art speaks to, they have the opportunity and access to get to it, and cherish it. My art is for everyone!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First and foremost I would take them to Blessed Tropical Jamaican Cuisine. It’s my favorite authentic Jamaican food spot and I don’t think I’ve tasted any better. Then we would of course have do some shopping, but not the ideal shopping trip that would come to mind. I’d first want to stop at the Slauson swap meet. to see some of the gold jewelry they have on display and maybe buy a couple pieces, and see what deals the beauty supply has going on. Then, I’d head over to Santee Alley, and head to my favorite spot to get perfume oils, head to the sunglasses stand, and grab a fitted cap or two. And lastly, I’d take them to my favorite spot Manhattan Beach just in time to watch the sunset. We’d beach hop, and lounge at Lennox Park and maybe hit the Pike.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Primarily, God has been my rock throughout this entire process, as He is the one who has blessed me with the gift of creating, and I thank hHm for allowing me to grow artistically and for every opportunity that is placed in front of me. There have been times on this journey where I have wanted to just give up, and every time I ask for a sign of what to do, He provides that and then some.
I would love to shoutout my grandparents Nana and Grandpepa, my life partner Justin, and God. Nana and Grandpepa have been crucial to my artistic journey. They have a folder full of every piece of artwork I ever made as a child, and hold them dearly. My grandfather is actually the reason I started signing and dating all of my work, so I’m able to see my progress. Every painting I have gifted Nana, is hanging in her house for all to see and has been for years. She always asks me what I am doing and cheers me on even when i feel discouraged.
Justin, has always supported me artistically. Every time I produce a piece of art that isn’t my favorite, he refuses to let me throw it away. He finds beauty in the things I don’t even see beauty in and treasures every single thing I create. Every canvas I sell, every event I am invited to, every dream I have, he speaks life into it. And if discouraging thoughts ever reach the surface, he washed them away with nothing but words of life, wisdom, and encouragement.

Instagram: @artbyazvrah

Youtube: azurah tv