We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful LPÆkili Ross. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with LPÆkili below.
LPÆkili, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
I’ve spearheaded a novel initiative, ART GAL, to revolutionize the art realm by offering immersive experiences that enhance community engagement and solidify ties among artists, collectors, and the general audience. With this endeavor, we aim to elevate and amplify the role of art in communities, underscoring its power to connect, inspire, and unify diverse individuals.
Our curated, theme-based exhibitions showcase artists, from emerging talents to industry stalwarts. These exhibitions immerse attendees in an artistic journey that transcends mere visual appreciation. At ART GAL, the experience is holistic, engaging all senses and offering an unparalleled artistic immersion, allowing visitors to appreciate the art and interact deeply with its creators. The space becomes an epicenter of connection, fostering meaningful interactions and deepening the bond between the artist and the audience.
Beyond serving as a mere exhibition space, ART GAL is a haven for artists, providing them with many resources, ranging from business-oriented workshops to sales platforms. We passionately believe in empowering artists, fueling their creative pursuits, and ensuring they maintain career autonomy. My vision with ART GAL is to spark a tidal wave of artistic self-reliance, reshaping the industry to prioritize creativity and independence and cultivating a space where artists are not just exhibitors but visionaries of their destiny.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
From the inception of my existence, I’ve breathed the essence of an artist. My sole identity has been that of a creative mind that uses its prowess to transcend boundaries and immerse itself in the realm of imagination.
I stand tall in my accomplishments as I approach my 43rd year in September. My artistry has been a visual feast and a practical solution, solving problems and sparking change. The power artists wield is profound, often concealed beneath the surface—a force that paints a mundane world with the vivid hues of creativity.
Through the chapters of my life, I’ve worn numerous hats in the creative realm—graphic designer, photographer, filmmaker, fashion designer, cinematographer, web designer, music composer, brand architect, and more. My canvas encompasses individuals, celebrity organizations, and businesses across various industries.
Awards and recognition have graced my journey, each milestone validating my artistic pursuits. The realm of fine art has embraced me, evident in projects like the celebrated “Art on TAP” transit credit cards for LA Metro. Esteemed entities like the Department of Cultural Affairs and prestigious festivals have sought my creative touch. Recent highlights include features on ABC’s Good Morning America and a presence in Braxton Cook’s 90’s official video Featuring Masego.
Have you ever had to pivot?
I’ve been a freelance artist for my entire life. Fresh out of college nearly two decades ago, I was determined to excel in my craft, accumulating awards and recognition across various artistic disciplines. This success propelled me forward in my career.
However, as time passed, I began to question when I, as an active artist, would have the chance to take a step back and focus on my own needs and my family’s well-being. Balancing my creative services with a demanding workload that often required 60 hours a week of dedication left me yearning for a change.
Then, I recognized the need to pivot in my artistic career. I realized that if I wanted to achieve financial stability and spend more quality time with my family, I needed to find a way to generate income even while I wasn’t actively working. This desire to “make money while I sleep” led me to explore alternative avenues within art.
My pivot involved shifting from primarily selling artistic services to creating, licensing, and selling art products that could generate income without requiring my constant involvement in the delivery process. This transition allowed me to diversify my income streams and build a more sustainable financial foundation for myself and my family. In essence, I transitioned from selling services to selling products, a strategic move that gave me greater flexibility and the ability to enjoy a better work-life balance.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
In my perspective, there are several ways society can best support artists creatives and foster a thriving creative ecosystem:
Shift the Focus from How to Why: Instead of judging artists based on how they create, society should look at the underlying motivations and reasons behind their creative expressions. Understanding the artist’s intent and what drives them to create is essential.
Respect Artistic Autonomy: When encountering an artist whose work resonates with you, appreciate their creations and consider supporting them. However, it’s crucial to respect that artists have unique ways of doing things, and it’s unnecessary to offer unsolicited advice or try to dictate how they should create.
Embrace Diverse Perspectives: Society should avoid imposing value judgments on artists based on personal tastes. Art is a realm of diverse perspectives, and each creation contributes to the rich tapestry of human expression. Embrace this diversity without the need to label or critique.
Share with Empathy: If you are genuinely moved or inspired by an artist’s work, share it with others. However, do so with empathy and an understanding that the essence of the artist’s creation should remain untampered and authentic.
Support without Strings Attached: Artists are nature explorers of the human experience. They aren’t here to serve a specific purpose but to challenge and expand our understanding of the world. Support artists for the inherent value they bring to society through their unique perspectives and creative endeavors.
Recognize the Value of Artistic Process: Understand that a seasoned artist’s value lies in their conscious analysis, unique stylistic responses, and the physical practice of their craft. Recognize that their creative process is a valuable contribution to the world, even if it doesn’t conform to conventional expectations.
In essence, supporting artists and nurturing a thriving creative ecosystem involves respecting individuality, embracing diversity, and valuing the transformative power of art from a human perspective.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.artgal.la/about
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lpae38/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@artgalexhibits
- Other: https://framevr.io/artgal
Image Credits
Mishea Ross