We recently connected with Latosha Stone and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Latosha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
I knew I wanted to work in the creative field ever since I was in high school. I had been coding websites for fanpages since I was a kid, and I was always the person local bands came to to design their flyers and logos back then. When I graduated, I ended up with a factory job. It was hot, and hard. I knew then and there that wasn’t what I wanted to do with my life and that’s how my brand was born.
Latosha, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am a painter and graphic designer from Greenville, Ohio. I create artworks that depict cute yet fiercely empowered women. I draw inspiration from anime and surrealism,
My artistic journey began at a young age. My first inspiration was an uncle that lived with me temporarily, who painted landscapes. In school, I was the kid who couldn’t resist sketching in the margins of homework. In middle school, my focus shifted towards capturing my favorite celebrities through portrait work. It was during this time that I discovered the power of portraiture to convey emotions and connect with others on a deeper level.
I also began skateboarding in middle school. Being one of the only girls, especially black girls doing this, had a huge impact on my life. I could never find clothes that fit my style or boards that I liked. I also noticed when it came to the art, we weren’t represented at all. As I got older, I knew there were women skaters out there, but I didn’t see them getting the sponsorships they deserved. So I wanted to do something to change all that. I’m most proud of the skate meet ups and community I’ve grown, and also the art classes I’ve been teaching lately. I love that I’ve inspired others doing what I love.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
I actually did a pivot recently. Although skateboarding has been a passion throughout life, I had an injury two years ago and haven’t been able to do it as much. I’ve also thought a lot about what I want to do with my art. I love putting art on skateboards, but sometimes I feel like the board just isn’t big enough to support my vision. I’ve been doing more fine art lately on canvases and wood. It’s taken a bit of rebranding, but I’ve found I’m actually happier dong this and feel more emotionally fulfilled lately.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding part of being an artist is the people I connect with. Through skateboarding, I’ve got to meet so many women who were into the same stuff as me, had shared experiences, and inspired a new generation to get on board and skate! It’s the same way with art, I recently did some art clinics and seeing the kids faces and stories was so magical. Another rewarding aspect is the feeling of accomplishment when you finish a piece. To me, art can be an emotional process from beginning to end, and is a form of therapy as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: toshaisgnarly.com (also propergnar.com, but currently on hiatus catching up on orders)
- Instagram: toshaisgnarly
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toshpit
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/latosha-keagy-stone-9b0b0673/
Image Credits
Austin White for the two of me with the afro/pink shirt. Rest are mine