Meet Laykon | Visual Artist & Producer

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

Hi Laykon, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Despite always being an artist at heart, I tried a few different avenues before being inspired by a Banksy piece in 2021. I realized that I could only be an artist, it wasn’t a choice. Art is a way to touch so many different souls. I’d like to communicate a lot of different positive messages to society and actually help people, there is no better way to do that than be an artist.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My paintings reflect a lot of my inner world spiritually. With a blank canvas; new worlds can be conveyed. Which is my passion. People can relate through my art to the metaphysical and experience some deep truths. I tend to depict angels, themes and colours considered spiritual, and layered pieces with words and the subject interlaced.

With my photography and videography, I like to capture the moment and have the colours convey the mood. Concert and event photography has become a favourite- since there is so much space to show all the crazy, super-saturated colours in visuals for shows.

As far as my film work, I generally produce, so connecting all the people and seeing all the moving parts work is amazing. I like to think at least 20 steps ahead and prepare for anything that arises to ensure a smooth set.
I am honestly most proud of all the people I get to work with and make everything happen it’s amazing.

The challenges and hurdles on the way to becoming an artist add more to the story. There is not just one way of getting into the creative spaces in Atlanta- so finding your corner is essential. Clearing over the hill of only doing free work and having no idea what you’re doing to planting your roots into a few solid places is arduous for sure. I still am working hard and learning more every day, so my story so far is just beginning. I just want the world to know the most revolutionary thing to do is love. It’s also possible to go from being homeless to having everything you need and want from your mindset and work ethic.

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?
The nature here in Georgia is so beautiful so I would definitely have to take them on a hike at Blue Heron Nature Preserve. Piedmont Park for a day then some art studios off the beltline. Fishmonger at least one time for lunch. Little Five for Java Lords and walk around the city. I’d take them to live jazz nights on Peters Street on Wednesdays, down to EAV for octopus bar, or The Blind Pig Parlour Bar in Buckhead. Speakeasies are fun, even if you’re sober.

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?
I’d like to both shout out and thank my friends and family. My family is why I’m here and I work so hard to aim to support them in the future. My friends, my chosen family, is a group of amazing artists who constantly inspire everyone around them. My friends Sapphire Marie, Osa (@synchronicworks), Tasj-Mari (@purplefish), Mahamma, Hannah (@fufafathrift), Ishmael, Stephen, and Nehemiah make me who I am today. I’d also like to thank my family at Paradigm Cinema, PSEYELOVEU, and Solidaze.

Website: laykon.world

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lay.kon/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laykon-edwards-21951723b/

Twitter: twitter.com/xlaykon

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anastacialaykon.edwards/

Image Credits
Akbar, Stephen Pennet, Desani Falls, ItsGroovy