Meet Waissa Lawson: Artist & Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Waissa Lawson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Waissa, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Life is full of risks and gambles but the rewards are what we seek. Life is uncertainty so risk is living. For me life is all about constant change and our adaptability. I focus on making every move better than my last move so I can create the future I envision. In business, love, and life we are only gifted with the 20/20 hindsight so we must never stop grinding and pushing forward. If you’re going to bet on someone bet on yourself. If you’re going to make money for someone make it for yourself. Often people quit before they start. There is a fear of failure or embarrassment but if you move afraid you will never get the results you want. One of my favorite quotes from George Addair states: “Everything you’ve ever wanted is sitting on the other side of fear.” To get what you want, you just need to get past your fear. There are no big rewards without first taking big risks. We often regret the things we don’t say or do. So die with memories and not regrets.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I AM ART! The mixed media, free spirited, emotional thinker. I am an artist that feels in every aspect of life, I then internalize those feelings and use it in my art. My artistry is my way of sharing my internal consciousness with the outside world. So I am always genuine and true to myself and my style. I love textures and mixing my art with fashion; so with everything my aim is for the viewer to feel something, even if at first glance they feel nothing. I am an emotional thinker and not afraid of change. Therefore my vision and ending are a constant evolution. I focus on my art as a feeling more than the technical application of it. I don’t think when I create-I feel. Therefore I am art. My love for art started at an early age watching my mother sew and manipulate various mediums, as well as, seeing my brother read his comics and draw characters. It came natural for me to pick up a paint brush and let creativity flow. I’m always looking to try something new in the world of art and pushing myself to grow as an artist. I love mixing mediums and consider myself the “texture goddess”. My favorite art movements are Abstract and Neo Expressionism. I’m strongly influenced by Pollack and Basquiat. My style is just that, mine. It falls somewhere between 3D Art, abstract, expressionism and contemporary art.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Atlanta has so many attractions for natives and tourist alike. If you enjoy the outdoors there are so many beautiful parks around the city plus you can always hike Stone Mountain. Atlanta is in a great location to zip off for day trips to the mountains as well. If you want to visit the beach or casinos Atlanta is in a good location to visit any of those as well. Little 5 Points is a nice spot for the more eclectic crowd. There’s some nice restaurants and shops. There is historic Auburn Ave to visit, great museums, the aquarium, the zoo, our beautiful Farris wheel that gives you a great view of the city from above. There’s a big nightlife scene for clubbing and bar hopping. Atlanta also brings in some of the biggest names for concerts and sporting events. Atlanta has a variety of interest to offer for a variety of crowds. What they make lack in the city is always close enough for quick trips and adventures.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shoutout to my mom who has always supported me in all my endeavors. My sister who always makes time for me. My friends who are really extended family and always breathe life into me when I think I’m not going to make it. And really a shoutout to any and everyone who has supported me, given me a kind word of encouragement, a smile, or great advice. Even though I may not have said how much it was appreciated in that moment please know it was not unnoticed and I appreciate you.

Website: Www.builtfreshstudios.com

Instagram: Mz.Rtystic

Linkedin: Waissa Lawson

Twitter: Wai922

Facebook: Wai MzRtystic Lawson

Youtube: Built Fresh Studios