Mary Lai’s Shares New Body of Work at the Art Room in LA
Mary Lai by Synchronicty 17 Dream Portal Sculpture. Photo by Meg Hudson
Mary Lai is a multifaceted artist based in Los Angeles, California, whose show 'Synchronicity' just opened the Art Room in LA. Her outlook is that “Art is a universal language that can speak to anyone” and her dreamer mindset is reflected in her vibrant contemporary artwork that aims to uplift and evoke emotion. With over 20 years in the creative industry, the award winning designer has worked with notable brands and exhibited at leading art fairs & galleries worldwide.
INTERVIEW WITH MARY LAI
Congrats on your solo show, Synchronicity! Can you tell us a little about the show?
My solo show ‘Synchronicity’ is exhibiting at The Art Room, an innovative gallery/restaurant. I have over 30 artworks throughout the space that range from sculptures, mixed media artworks, paintings to prints. It is inspired by meaningful coincidences that validate an artist's journey and how synchronicity happens when preparation and hard work meets opportunity.
You have a deep background in design, working with well-known brands, and plenty of awards to show for it. What drew you to visual arts, making paintings and sculptures?
Mary Lai, Dream Portal(bles): Golden
2023 Stainless steel with Gold Chrome
16×15x4 inches. Photo By Meg Hudson
I’m glad my foundation was working in design because I learned so much in the first half of my career. However, my passion was always creating art and I love how free I can be when creating without limitations. After twenty years of tirelessly working in the creative industry I feel like I’m on the right path of this artistic journey.
Art residencies can play an important role in an artist's practice. What's your experience been like as the W Hotel Artist in Residence? How has it shaped the work in your show?
There are so many different types of artist residencies and the one at the W Hotel Los Angeles was a very special partnership. My artwork is still currently up throughout the lobby and will stay up until I complete my year term - which has been great exposure for my artwork. It has pushed me to create the ‘Unlock Your Dreams’ body of work that is commercial yet conceptual. My Dream Portal sculpture came to life because of this residency that has shaped the launch of sculptural works for me.
A theme in your statement is that "art is a universal language that can speak to anyone." Can you share why that is important to you?
Art evokes emotion and it connects to the viewer without any language barriers. It is meaningful to me that art can be created by any gender, race, socio-economic background and still deeply connect with all. It can be visual art, music, dance or any magical form of art that can resonate with anyone. Art is for everyone.
You were especially busy last year between residencies, shows, and murals! What advice do you have for emerging artists who are just getting started?
There is no formula to a career in art. It is important to be yourself, find your artistic voice and keep creating. They say, “It takes 20 years to make an overnight success”. Put in the work and may the art stars align.
PRESS RELEASE
Los Angeles, CA - Always a dreamer, LA-based Mary Lai has fulfilled her artistic fate by following her heart and gut intuition with a touch of luck. A versatile and savvy talent, Mary has excelled across multiple mediums with great success, including art, sculpture, fashion, murals, and graphic design. Her style is colorful, playful, and at times, interprets pop icons within humorous settings, and strives to uplift, provoking a positive emotional connection with its audience.
For her upcoming exhibition, Synchronicity, taking place on February 16 at The Art Room in downtown Los Angeles, the show will celebrate and showcase over 25 pieces of Mary’s work. The concept of Synchronicity is a phenomenon when two seemingly unrelated events are intertwined and regarded as “meaningful coincidences.” For artists, these events can prove to be a validation on their journey and reaffirm taken directions. For Mary, this exhibition is her visual manifestation of meaningful coincidences and says, "meaningful coincidences seem to happen when preparation and hard work meets opportunity, validating our artistic journey”.
Exhibition Details:
February 16 - March 3, 2024 The Art Room
908 S Olive Street
Los Angeles, CA
90015