Mary Lai is a multifaceted Korean-American artist based in Los Angeles, California. 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. Lai’s scope of work includes painting, mixed media art, digital art, large-scale murals and sculptures, all of which were on display for her exhibition earlier this year, Synchronicity, at the Art Room in downtown Los Angeles. Prior to her visual art journey, the seasoned designer built a career in New York for over a decade as a fashion accessories designer, including an award-winning namesake handbag collection.
With over 20 years of art and design experience, Lai has worked with several notable brands including HBO Max, Vayner, St. Jude, the Wahlbergs, American Express, SXSW, BAM, Snapchat and more. She has exhibited at art fairs & galleries worldwide and continues to explore what it means to create and curate art with impact. Learn more about Mary Lai in today’s Maker Monday.
Artists Social – Mary Lai weaves her dreamer mindset into vibrant artworks, aiming to uplift and evoke deep emotions in all who encounter her pieces.
Andrew Joseph: How do you stay creative and inspired?
Mary Lai: Staying creative and inspired doesn’t seem to have an on/off switch because it is just the way of life. I find inspiration in my daily surroundings and it’s important for me to visit, taste, listen and try new things to keep the creative flow in motion. Working in the creative industry for the past two decades has trained me to be in constant inspiration/creation mode that it’s second nature like eating or sleeping for me.
AJ: Can you describe your design philosophy in three words?
ML: Innovate, modern & fun.
AJ: How do you approach a new design project?
ML: I sit with it and let the ideas brew first. Once the brainstorming phase is met with an aha moment or idea I start to sketch or write it out. Then I’ll bring it to the computer to finetune the concept, composition and colors until it is presentable. Feedback is key to making sure the project hits home and my approach is always to put your best work out there or try another round till you get it to that level.
Cloud 2 Cream Rises – Lai stands at the intersection of art and design, combining abstract geometric forms with vivid illustrations.
AJ: What is the most challenging project you’ve worked on and how did you overcome it?
ML: The most challenging project I’ve worked on was creating artwork for a whole hotel lobby in three months with over twenty (large-scale) artworks, painting a mural, creating a sculpture and building a digital art gallery. Since I was selected as their Artist in Residence for the year I pushed myself to create a whole experiential exhibition for the exposure to have my artwork featured at a notable hotel. It was a challenge of time, money invested, and the questioning of how to create conceptual but commercial art/design for the general public to enjoy. In hindsight I can say I overcame the challenge by believing, putting in the work, and pushing through. It ended up a great partnership that made the challenge all worth it.
AJ: Can you tell us about a specific moment in your career that made you feel accomplished?
ML: Being invited to be a contestant for an episode on a crafting television show (and winning) was one moment in my career that makes me smile. Although it doesn’t feel like a serious accomplishment, it was a fond memory where I was able to use my art/design skills that I learned from years of working as a handbag designer and artist that felt full circle. Also, getting congratulatory calls from friends who had watched the show made me feel I’d accomplished my “15 minutes of fame” as Warhol would say.
Dream Portal Sculpture – With a career spanning over 20 years, Lai transcends traditional boundaries, making an immersive world of art through her dynamic range of artworks, murals, and sculptures.
AJ: What would your dream project or dream client be right now?
ML: I guess a dream project or dream client would be a big brand with a nice budget where I can create something fun and colorful in my style. However, there are plenty of philanthropic projects that feed your soul and make the world a better place – so the ultimate dream project would check off all those buttons.
AJ: If you weren’t a designer, what would you be and why?
ML: If I wasn’t a designer, I’d be a visual artist. And if I wasn’t a visual artist, I’d be a designer. I hop back and forth from both and continue to stay in that intersection because I love both art and design. But if I couldn’t pick either then I’d like to try to be a farmer.
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