Laila J, a watercolor artist based in New York, has cultivated her artistic journey through a profound immersion in art history and architecture. Her creative roots trace back to her formative years in Italy, where she earned a BA from the Institute of Interior Design in Milan. Building upon this foundation, she continued her exploration of the art world in the vibrant landscape of New York, earning an MA at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). It was in this metropolis that she further honed her skills under the tutelage of the renowned teacher and artist, Frederick Brosen, at the prestigious Art Students League of New York.
Laila J draws her inspiration from the beautiful objects and architectural details that surrounds us, from a porcelain Ming Dynasty jar to an old charming wooden door to larger scale inspirations such as homes and surrounding landscapes. She focuses on the eclectic tapestry of street art and graffiti that adorns various corners of New York City, including the culturally rich neighborhoods of Lower East Side, Soho, and West Village. These urban artworks serve as her muse, and she is driven by a mission to preserve and document this vibrant and ephemeral art form, almost akin to creating a living archive of the city's visual language.
Her artistic process is meticulous and begins with capturing the essence of her subjects through photography. These snapshots then serve as the foundation for her detailed sketches on paper, allowing her to crystallize the unique qualities and character of each subject. Laila employs watercolor as her chosen medium, starting with delicate washes that gradually evolve into a symphony of rich, layered tones. The final result is a work characterized by luminosity and transparency, attributes intrinsic to the unique qualities of watercolor.
Laila J's ultimate goal transcends mere representation; she seeks to evoke emotions reminiscent of those inspired by the original subjects that grace the streets of New York. Each stroke, each layer, is an intentional step toward capturing not just the visual, but the emotional and cultural resonance of the city's street art. In doing so, she transforms each piece into a powerful conduit connecting viewers to the living, breathing spirit of New York City.
In her pursuit of preserving urban artistry through watercolor, Laila J emerges not only as an artist but as a custodian of the city's soul—a storyteller using the medium of watercolor to immortalize the fleeting moments of creativity that define the very heartbeat of New York.