Meet LaShae Boyd | Visual Artist

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

Hi LaShae, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I pursued an artistic career because I really didn’t know what else I wanted to do with my life. Growing up, I was into the Performative Arts such as dance and theater so I always knew I’d be some form of an artist. My father was an artist, he started as a painter but moved into the graphic design industry. I would say my visual artistic skill came natural because it’s in my blood but somewhere around High School I decided to take my skills more serious. I think it’s important to not let the fear of pursuing an unconventional career stop you from chasing your dreams and passion. I understood that being an artist meant I would have to make certain sacrifices but my connection to the Arts has always been strong and I lead with motivation to inspire others to delve into what you love to do the most!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a contemporary mixed media artist primarily known to create figurative paintings using acrylic, oil and collage. I am also a sculptor and designer. My work focuses on dissecting the human psyche and living through spiritual transcendent experiences. My work is heavily based in the metaphysical realm and I’m often using my own spiritual lens to inspire me. I believe what sets me apart from others is the amount of vulnerability I put into my work and how willing I am to put every version of myself, good or bad, into each piece that I make. I like to channel my sadness and darkness into higher knowledge so that I come out on the other end accepting and loving myself fully. I’ve made the content of my work based on this coping mechanism I’ve created for myself with hopes I uplift the rest of the collective. I’m mostly excited for my solo-exhibition in Columbus, Ohio this coming fall. It will be in September of this year and this will be the first time showing a full collection of work since 2019. I graduated with a BFA at Columbus College of Art and Design and struggled a great portion of my undergraduate studies. I focused so much on who I wanted to be like instead of being myself. This is how I came to learn that being yourself is what sets you a part from everyone. I stopped being afraid of what everyone else would think and went straight for my ideas. I was clipping my own wings but overcame it by having an honest conversation with myself. Sometimes we think external factors are stopping us from being great when it’s really ourselves. Don’t be that person.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a scenery type of girl so I love places that let me see the landscape of where I am. I love driving in the hills of Hollywood, especially close to where the famous sign is. I would do a sunset drive on Mulholland Drive because I fell in love with the movie in college so it’s a special street to me. Malibu is one of my favorite areas, especially when you drive along the coast so that’s definitely a must! Castaway Restaurant in Burbank has a beautiful scenic view on its patio with a cozy fire pit for nightfall. I love the energy at Venice Beach, everyone is super laid-back and chill but it also has a grittiness to it that takes you away from the “uppity” energy of LA.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to shoutout Tosha Stimage, she is a multi-disciplinary artist who was once my instructor at Columbus College of Art and Design. Tosha was definitely like a mentor to me, she provided great advice that’s instilled in me to this very day. I feel I really wouldn’t be the artist that I am today without her encouraging words and energy. She taught me the ebbs and flows of finding your artistic language and letting it happen naturally which was a very important part of my artistic journey. I hope she sees this!

Website: lashaejboydart.com

Instagram: lashaejboyd

Image Credits
Headshot- Jeriel Mitchell