Meet LaToya Tyson: Visual Artist/Photographer

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

Hi LaToya, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I came across my artistic journey very early in life. It was more of a subconscious thing at first but as I got older, it became more conscious and pronounced. I always knew that a conventional career was not something I wanted to pursue. Being in a creative environment always brought out the absolute best in me: drive, passion and commitment. Ideals that were seen as too unconventional in the environment I grew up in, were appreciated and celebrated in an artistic/creative space. Alas, I was free to tell my stories the way that I saw fit. Art and creativity give me purpose and a sense of belonging that nothing else I have done has provided. I know my artistry is what I have to give to the world, because I would pursue this regardless of the success or accolades, or any of the reasons one chooses a career path. In my soul I am an artist. So when I finally realized that for myself, it made all the pieces of my journey come together and make sense. Nothing else ever quite fit before.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

Completing new challenges and taking work or projects that push me creatively are what keeps me busy. One of the things I’ve been most proud of with my art is the ability for it to grow with me and take on different forms and mediums. I started out writing  poetry and stories, then that evolved into composing lyrics for songs, and initially pursuing songwriting and music, and eventually that evolved into Visual Art and Photography. Adaptability and finding new ways to express my creativity has always piqued my interest. I am excited about my most current evolution into video/streaming and filming. It’s the newest element to my art but I’ve been doing mainly video work for the better part of the last five years. To get to this point in my career definitely took some perseverance and courage to stay on the path even when it doesn’t seem like it is working out the way you initially thought. There is always more than one way forward. If there’s one lesson to be learned from my story, it would be that there are multiple paths to the things you want to pursue. Your road to them may not look like anyone else’s or even how you initially planned, but that’s okay. Even if the steps forward are small, they are still in motion towards your goals. Especially after the last year, with the pandemic changing how we all go about our lives, a key thing to remember is to give yourself grace and know the small victories are still victories. Even if that victory is getting out of bed for the day. I would like for people to know that my brand is constantly growing and changing as I do the same. The new avenues always keep it interesting and exciting, while at the same time showing more of my creativity and my artistic voice. Due to things changing in a major way for me this past year, I am focusing on making content for my YouTube channel, TorinTalks and streaming on Twitch. This is a new creative realm for me and I’m looking forward to seeing how it grows.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When I have friends visit me, (in a Pre-Covid world) I would introduce them to a city a day. Seeing as how I’m based in Los Angeles, everyone here knows that “LA” is not just one city or one part of the city. So the first day on the itinerary I’d take them to my city, Long Beach. We would begin with a walking tour of the murals downtown, visit the MADE store which only sells items made in the city of Long Beach or by local artists, and then grab food in Bixby Knolls, Belmont Shore or anything downtown to complete day one. Then I’d go as follows: Santa Monica/Malibu for the beaches, Downtown Los Angeles to the art district, which has been a favorite spot of mine for over 10 years, Hollywood (too many spots to name) but definitely the “Scum and Villainy Cantina” for some dancing and Melrose for shopping. Lastly, I’d go to Palos Verdes for the scenic views along the many hiking trails.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to a former professor of mine, Ann Mitchell. Her class really set me on the path to truly discovering that visual arts were my passion and she fostered my talent and helped be on my journey as an artist today.

Website: latoyatyson.com

Instagram: @torinchaos

Twitter: @torinchaos

Facebook: Facebook.com/TorinTalks

Youtube: youtube.com/torintalks

Other: twitch.tv/torinchaos