‘Bend Before I Break’ – The Succession Collection

‘Bend Before I Break’, 2022

Kayla Rae of Kayla Rae Studio

Mixed Media on Cotton Canvas, Framed in Tulip Poplar
18″ x 24″

Inspired by the restorative powers of life after a fire that starts from deep within the forest floor. “Bend Before You Break” is inspired after learning to thrive through the weight of stress and forgiving oneself to perfection – much like a winding branch of a tree as it continues to reach for the sun through a storm.

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.

As a 100% self-taught artist, Kayla learned to translate these very same 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.