An Interview With...
What inspires your work most deeply?
As an artist, I find my deepest inspiration in the intricate tapestry of humanity, particularly in our greatest powers: connection and love. My work serves as a conduit, enhancing the human experience by exploring the complexities of our emotions and relationships. I believe that art has the unique ability to bridge the gaps that often separate us, allowing us to reflect on the diverse experiences that shape our lives.
Through my pieces, I aim to highlight universal themes of empathy and understanding. I want my art to invite viewers to engage with their feelings and recognize their connections to one another. By celebrating the beauty of our shared existence, I hope to foster a sense of community and belonging. I challenge us all to see the potential of art as a powerful tool for inspiring dialogue and provoking thought, ultimately elevating our collective human experience.
Artist Ya La'ford in her installation "The Silver Lining" for London Art Fair 2025 © Mark Cocksedge, installation photos taken by Blk Art Map.
What draws you to geometric forms, and how do they help you convey your ideas or themes?
I am deeply drawn to geometric forms because they resonate with the spiritual and metaphysical aspects of my work. Much like cultures that eschew figurative representation, I find that these shapes allow me to express ideas and themes that often transcend verbal communication. Geometric forms embody a sense of order and harmony that reflects the underlying structures of the universe, enabling me to explore concepts that are difficult to articulate in words.
Through these shapes, I can convey the sublime, inviting viewers to engage with the deeper dimensions of existence. The simplicity and precision of geometric patterns create a language of their own, allowing for a direct connection to the viewer's intuition and emotions. In this way, my work becomes a bridge to the ineffable, inviting contemplation and reflection on the profound mysteries of life, spirituality, and our interconnectedness.
What is your process for conceptualising and designing your artworks?
My process for conceptualizing and designing my artworks begins with a deep engagement in the present moment, allowing me to move through my senses while exploring theories of space and metaphysics. I immerse myself in the sensations around me, drawing inspiration from the interplay of light, texture, and form. This sensory exploration is crucial, as it informs my understanding of how space can be manipulated to evoke emotional responses.
I focus on feelings and strive to create an emotional resonance within my work. Each piece is an attempt to capture and redefine our moments, expressing the complexities of human experience. I consider how the interplay of shapes and colors can communicate these emotions, aiming to create a dialogue between the artwork and the viewer. Additionally, I seek to expand on the legacy of abstract expressionism, which I believe represents the truest form of American art. By incorporating its principles, I hope to honor its impact while infusing my unique perspective into the conversation. Ultimately, my goal is to produce something that transcends mere visual appeal, inviting reflection and prompting a deeper understanding of our shared experiences and feelings.
What materials and techniques do you most enjoy using in your work?
In my work, I find great joy in experimenting with various materials and techniques that allow me to redefine the space in which we can explore art and culture. One of my favorite practices is creating my own pigmentation, where I source materials from all over the world to connect different spaces and cultures. This process not only adds a personal touch and unique quality to my pieces but also fosters a sense of global interconnectedness.
I also enjoy using insulation as part of my experimentation, exploring how weathering and other techniques—both ancient and cutting-edge—can transform materials and influence the final outcome of my work. By blending these methods, I aim to challenge conventional perceptions of art and encourage viewers to engage with the tactile and sensory dimensions of my creations. Ultimately, my approach seeks to expand the dialogue around art, inviting a deeper exploration of the cultural narratives embedded within the materials themselves.
How has your cultural background influenced the way you approach your art?
As a Jamaican, my cultural background profoundly influences the way I approach my art. The vibrant colors, rich textures, and dynamic elements of my homeland—ranging from the people and food to the music and landscape—serve as constant sources of inspiration. The natural beauty of Jamaica, with its lush waters and rhythmic patterns, resonates deeply within me and informs my artistic expression.
The atmosphere of my surroundings, infused with a sense of community and celebration, shapes the emotional undercurrents of my work. The rhythms of Jamaican music, the intricate patterns found in local textiles, and the vivid landscapes all come together to create a unique artistic language that reflects my heritage. The flavors of my culture, from the delicious patties and curry to the comforting beans and rice, as well as the imagery of starfish along the shores, further enrich my artistic vision.
This cultural foundation allows me to infuse my art with a sense of authenticity and connection, inviting viewers to experience the essence of Jamaica through my perspective. Ultimately, my background not only enhances my creative process but also deepens the narratives I seek to communicate through my art.
What excites you most about participating in the London Art Fair?
What excites me most about participating in the London Art Fair is the deep connection between London, Americans, and Jamaicans. This cultural interplay creates a vibrant atmosphere that is both enriching and inspiring. I love the diverse people I encounter, each bringing their unique perspectives and stories, which contribute to a dynamic dialogue around art.
The architecture of London captivates me; its blend of historical and contemporary designs serves as a testament to the city’s rich artistic heritage. Moreover, the rich ancient culture, exemplified by iconic sites like Stonehenge and other historical landmarks, adds another layer of depth and intrigue to the experience.
The appreciation for the arts in London is palpable, making it an ideal setting to share my work and engage with fellow artists and art enthusiasts. I am particularly drawn to the culinary genius that thrives in the city, where diverse flavors and culinary traditions converge. This celebration of culture and creativity fuels my passion for art, making the London Art Fair an exciting opportunity to connect, collaborate, and share my vision with a wider audience.
How do you want audiences to feel or reflect when they engage with your work?
When audiences engage with my work, I want them to feel as though they have traveled to a place of transformation and renewal. I envision each viewer experiencing a sense of being in a human embryo, a space of potential and growth that has the power to uplift and baptize them. My aim is for my art to evoke feelings of awakening, prompting individuals to reflect on their own journeys and the possibilities for change within themselves.
I seek to activate a sense of travel—both through the physical world and underwater—encouraging a journey that allows them to float through time and space, exploring the interconnections that bind us all. Through my work, I hope to create an environment where everyone feels seen and heard, fostering a connection that transcends boundaries.
Ultimately, I want each person who interacts with my art to leave with a sense of empowerment and inspiration, ready to embrace their own capacity for change and transformation, while recognizing the shared experiences that unite us across different cultures and histories.
London Art Fair 2025 is open until 26 January 2025 at Islington’s Business Design Centre.