Meet Artist Kayla
Kayla was raised in paradise, known to many as Southern California. Since she was a child, Kayla shared a special connection with the environment. She found herself continually drawn to the complex interactions between flora and fauna found throughout her surroundings.
Determined to learn more, Kayla went on to pursue her interest in the natural world at the University of Arizona, where she later graduated with a bachelors in Environmental Science in 2017.
As a 100% self-taught artist, Kayla grew passionate in translating the environmental complexities she studied throughout her academic career into free-flowing, sophisticated works of art using just raw canvas, acrylics and resin. While most of her work is abstract, Kayla draws her inspiration from the flow of water and geologic features found just steps from her studio in Laguna Beach. The result- artworks that evoke a sense of serenity and familiarity found naturally in response to our peaceful surroundings.
A statement from Kayla…
I strongly believe that there is truly an art to gathering- whether it be over a decadent grazing board with old friends, or through philanthropic action with new faces. When it is done properly, it has the power to build a community and sense of belonging, while bringing a smile to someone face that is least expecting it.
Since founding Kaylarae Studio, I have chosen to donate a portion of proceeds every month towards political initiatives that serve communities and movements in dire need of support. From aiding ocean clean ups, to providing holiday meals to local families in need, I am continually inspired by the outpouring of love and compassion that flows from working together towards making the world a better place.
Artist Interview – Kayla
Kayla shares about her passion, challenges, and inspiration. For her, art is a therapeutic outlet that transforms spaces, individuals, and communities. Kayla was interviewed by Nadin Said to tell us a little more about herself.
“What is your most challenging piece and why?”
There hasn’t been one particular piece that has stumped me, but the most challenging pieces I’ve done tend to be commissions- a.k.a “custom” projects for clients.
Normally when I go about beginning an artwork, I am sourcing inspiration from my own surroundings and translating them exactly how my mind perceives them without any other concern for the piece’s final result.
Considering clients have a certain vision for the space in which the artwork is to reside, it certainly limits my options in the natural direction I want to move in. This often means matching with existing color pallets, textiles, or incorporating certain emotional elements that a client wants their piece to evoke. However, I still love these kinds of projects and I consider it a fun challenge to bring a specific vision to life, especially considering my passion and background in interior design.
I consider my experience in the field a huge advantage when it comes to streamlining exactly what a client is looking for in an artwork while managing realistic expectations.
“What is your latest project or what are you currently working on?”
I just finished releasing my latest collection, “Succession”, which has been a huge feat to complete over the last several months. The entire series consists of 7 original paintings (two of the paintings of the series are to be included in the upcoming “IMPACT” Exhibition this November).
I honestly consider it some of my best work yet, and it is incredible looking back to see how my style has evolved over just the last few months.
My next project will include a holiday series of grazing boards that I plan on beginning in the coming week. The overall style will stem from the “Succession” collection, so I’m excited to get started and offer them as a unique yet personal gift for the holidays!
“What message are you trying to convey in your work?”
My message varies from collection to collection depending on the theme. Oftentimes, my theme is directly translated from feelings and change in response to my environment based on the current “season” I am going through in my life. I believe that we all respond to our surroundings in different ways, and I think it’s important to acknowledge that we should give ourselves and each other a little more grace to be vulnerable through the high’s and lows.
Sometimes the best way to make sense of a current position is to seek landscapes that bring solitude and a greater sense of perspective on how little our problems are in comparison to this universe we live in. That’s the feeling I hope to convey to my viewers in my artworks. As John Muir says “in every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks”.
“What emotions do you experience as you create art”
Some of the works I’m most proud of are created during times when I am feeling my lowest. Art originally started as a therapy outlet for me when i was going through some battles with depression in my life, and eventually I realized the sense of relief that would follow after a long session in the studio.
I truly believe that the best medicine is just giving yourself permission to express yourself without any expectations or judgment. I almost get into a trance-like state of mind and time slips away with the help of music (which also plays a huge influence in my work- I am constantly creating new playlists to reflect the season of life I am in (I also make these playlists available to the public and its a fun way to get my followers involved in my creative process).
The best way to describe these feelings I have while creating is as if I am running down a hill- slowly but surely I start losing creative control with building momentum, yet I have trust that my legs (in this case my paintbrush) will carry me safely to more level ground despite the sense of uncertainty and fear in between.
“What are your three go-to materials for making art?”
Lately I have been experimenting with lots of different mediums to bring a different level of dimension in my work, but the most steadfast materials I have used in almost every piece throughout my career has been resin and acrylic paints.
Resin was once an incredibly unique medium, though now it has quickly gained popularity as a favorite fluid medium of mine to layer and create works that emulate the fluidity of water.
Acrylics are, in my opinion, the most dependable ingredient that I have in my studio and something I am always reaching for. I have used these pigments both on its own and diluted with other mediums- it rarely disagrees with its counterpart!
Lastly, I have found a new love for incorporating oil pastels. While these can be a little more tricky to mix and take more strategy when layering, I love how they almost glide like melted butter on a canvas while almost acting as a “highlighter” in certain features on an art piece.
“How can our audience keep in touch with you?”
I share all of my art, behind the scenes, and life via my instagram or tik tok @kaylaraestudio
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Her work and personality match so well, very beautiful!
I love Kayla’s messaging! Art is very personal and therapeutic for me but Kayla’s perspective on how art also builds communities and inspires people to gather together is an encouraging notion.
Beautiful work and story!