We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Geordan Lavale. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Geordan below.

Alright, Geordan thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Has your work ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized?

Yes, my work has been misunderstood at times. It’s often labeled simply as “Black art” or described as just vibrant and bold. While I’m proud to represent my culture unapologetically, those labels only scratch the surface. The color, the layering, the symbolism — it’s all intentional. Every piece carries narrative weight.

My art explores duality, identity, power, vulnerability, and imagination. Sometimes viewers stop at the intensity of the visuals without recognizing the time, discipline, and emotional depth behind each composition. I don’t just paint images, I build worlds.

There are also moments when I experience creative blocks. Seasons where ideas pause and finishing a piece becomes challenging. But I’ve learned that those pauses are part of the process. Growth isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s quiet refinement.

Being misunderstood taught me that I can’t control interpretation — only intention. And my intention is always depth. I’m not here to simply decorate a canvas. I’m here to shift perspectives.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m GL, a Washington, DC native and visual storyteller whose journey began at six years old when I drew the original 90s Power Rangers in kindergarten. I was inspired by their heroism and power — the idea of transformation and stepping into something greater. Even then, I was drawn to strength and evolution.

Over time, through personal trials and lived experience, I realized something pivotal: I became the hero I once admired. That realization deeply informs my work. My art explores resilience, duality, identity, vulnerability, and transformation — not as abstract concepts, but as lived truths.

Although I’m known for my paintings, I started with spoken word and poetry. Performance was my first canvas. That foundation shaped how I approach visual art today — every piece carries narrative weight and intentional symbolism.

I attended art school for a few years but was unable to finish due to financial limitations. In 2013, I began working in hospitality throughout DC while continuing to showcase my art. That experience built discipline and strengthened my ability to connect with people — something that carries into my commissioned work.

I later moved to New York in May 2017, living in Flatbush for four years and showcasing throughout Brooklyn and Harlem. New York sharpened my perspective and elevated my craft. After an unexpected relocation from NY to DE during COVID, I held my first solo art show in Wilmington, Delaware in 2021. In February 2023, I returned home to DC with renewed focus and intention.

My primary mediums are acrylic paint and paint markers, allowing me to build bold color stories with detailed precision. I occasionally experiment with additional materials to enhance texture and depth, but intentional layering remains the core of my process.

I create original paintings and commissioned pieces rooted in storytelling. The vibrancy draws you in, but the meaning keeps you there. I’m not here to simply create what’s popping at the moment — I’m here to shift perspectives.

Most of my exposure comes through social media:
Instagram: @LVAVLE @SVMOGL
Facebook: LVAVLE

My brand is built on authenticity, resilience, and evolution. Every canvas carries lived experience. Every layer represents growth. I don’t just create art — I create reflections of strength, transformation, and self-realization.

I’m not here for clout or to follow popular trends. I’m here to build legacy and shift perspectives.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Honestly, I think non-creatives often struggle to understand how much of my journey is about patience and persistence, not just talent. People see the finished piece and assume it all came naturally, but the reality is hours, days, even months of experimenting, failing, and reimagining my work before it reaches a place I feel proud of. It’s also deeply personal — creating art isn’t just about making something look good; it’s therapy, self-expression, and exploration all at once. I hope by sharing that, non-creatives can see that being an artist is less about instant results and more about embracing the process, even when it’s messy or frustrating.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Lesson I had to unlearn? Thinking other visual artists—older, younger, whatever—would be in your corner just ‘cause we’re in the same game. Some cats can’t handle seeing you shine; they get jealous, act like they know more than you, or block connections you actually need. The art world isn’t all love—some people can’t celebrate your grind because it highlights their own lack of one. I had to realize that my recognition, my moves, my growth? That’s on me. You level up for yourself, not for anyone else’s approval, and that truth hits different when you come up from where I come from.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: SVMOGL
• Facebook: LVAVLE

Image Credits

All artwork and photos are my original creations by Geordan Lavale.