Lord’kala Dawson paints colorful personal stories. His portraits seem larger than life. His work has aspects of cubism, fauve and surrealism.
The colors, faces and objects depicted, make us more curious about the subjects and the stories behind them.
What are you communicating with your art?
My art is a pure expression of my unique perspective, a culmination of my experiences. For me, art is expression in its purest form. I believe that when viewers bring their own experiences to the work, it creates a powerful connection, allowing them to see a reflection of themselves within the art.
How did you get started making art?
I drew a lot as a kid, but by middle school, sports and skateboarding took over, and art became just random doodles on the side of classwork. I did take a couple of classes at Nottingham High School, and my teacher even entered a project into a show, but I honestly didn’t think much of art back then.
The real turning point came in my second year at Mercer. I was pursuing a nursing degree but had a hard time with chemistry, which made me really rethink things. As I tried to figure out what I truly wanted to do, art just naturally came back to me. Doodling at work sparked the idea of a creative major, leading me to switch to digital design, where I took various art courses and eventually found my love for painting.
What media do you use and why?
As a mixed-media artist, acrylic and oil paint are the core of my practice. The specific medium I choose for a piece is always driven by the painting’s intended outcome. Acrylics are frequently my go-to due to their faster drying properties, which complements my workflow. Lately, I’ve been exploring a new technique with watered-down acrylics to achieve abstract marks within my portraiture style.
Your figures and compositions have some mystical personal qualities.
The mystical quality in my art stems from its connection to real experiences and the essence of real people. I don’t simply depict them; I build a dedicated space within the artwork for their stories and spirit to reside and resonate.
Where do the ideas come from?
I find inspiration everywhere. My creative process is deeply informed by reference material, which I pull from the world around me. This includes personal experiences, stories, and all types of media I consume, from books and films to television.
Ultimately, I use this intake of information and content as the raw material to build my work.
How does your design background come out in your current artwork?
My design background serves as the blueprint for my current artwork. It’s where I developed an understanding of principles like color, composition, and visual balance. These are the elements I consciously apply in my artwork, allowing me to craft the specific aesthetic I aim for in every piece.
Who are some of your influences?
Artists like Pablo Picasso, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Robert Rauschenberg, Jasper Johns, Romare Bearden, and Jacob Lawrence are major influences on my practice. The most significant lesson I’ve drawn from their work is a profound appreciation for versatility and uninhibited creative exploration. Their willingness to experiment with myriad styles and mediums deeply resonates with my own commitment to never limit my artistic expression.
Do you make preparatory drawings before you paint?
Yes, I often create preparatory drawings before I paint. Sometimes these are digital sketches on an iPad that I then translate into paintings. Other times, I draw directly onto the canvas, using my iPad to map out compositions and color schemes.
What fight/struggle do you have regarding your art?
The biggest fight I have regarding my art is striking a healthy balance across my life. Being a father to two amazing kids and an engaged partner means I’m always aiming to excel in every role. It’s a continuous effort to manage my family commitments, work responsibilities, and dedicated art time so I can truly be my best self as a father, partner, and artist.
What is most difficult about being an artist?
While being an artist is the greatest passion in my life, the most significant challenge lies in the absence of a traditional, clear-cut career path. Unlike many professions where the progression is often linear, as an artist, you are entirely responsible for creating and defining your own unique journey.
What is on the horizon? What are you looking forward to?
I have several exciting projects coming up. In the first week of August, I’ll be releasing my first set of limited prints on my website. Beyond that, I’m looking forward to two shows slated for 2026-2027: a solo exhibition, and a unique collaboration with my father, where we will present his written poetry alongside my paintings.
Instagram: lordkala.
Thomas Kelly is a Hamilton-based artist. On the web: thomaskellyart.com.
