21 Under 31: Young Artists to Watch in 2016 | Laila Raslan

New York

Laila Raslan, Behind Smith’s, oil, 9 x 12.

Art Education: I’m mostly self-taught. But that’s not the right term, because many artists have been extremely generous with their knowledge via many platforms, and I’ve learned a great deal through their efforts. Marc Hanson comes to mind as someone who had a huge impact on me through his online presence. I also attended one of his workshops. The continual act of art creation and observation is itself a form of art education.

Style: I work in a representational manner, often en plein air.

Creative Spark: My desire is always to depict something fundamentally elusive, fleeting moments mixed with my own experiences of place and time—something that resonates with me personally. I may not be able to achieve this goal, but I continually desire to reach it.

Biggest Fear: My biggest fear artistically is that I won’t ever be able to effectively communicate through my work and that it will never become easier.

Pet Peeve: I hate the sound of people chewing loudly, and it bothers me when people misuse the word “literally.”

Mantra or Motto: Just don’t give up.

Favorite Studio Music: I have mostly been listening to podcasts in the studio. As artists, we can be in our space alone for a long time, so I like something that occupies my mind. When painting on location, I listen to nature.

Future Goals: To travel, see, learn, improve, grow, and achieve my personal vision of success.

Price Range: $425 to $5,000.

Representation:
www.lailaraslan.com.

Featured in the September 2016 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art September 2016 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.