Meet Reginald Laurent | Multidisciplinary Artist

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

Hi Reginald, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
I think outsiders are not aware of how many hats an artist has to wear.

Outside of the creative realm, there is a lot of administrative, marketing, supply procurement, social media promotion, research etc. Some collectors and art aficionados assess a completed work of art for the visual aesthetics without factoring in the complexities of how and why a work of art came to fruition.

In a way that’s good because you want them to appreciate the art, detached from the process. A lot of what they don’t realize is reflected in the price of the art, hence an opening for meaningful dialogue. The process and associated narrative are key elements in order to garner a full understanding of my intentions.

Also, art has many tentacles, and it’s a disservice if an artist is one-dimensional in his journey. I generate revenue from my art through a myriad of sources, from art education to keynote speeches.

I have my own line of organic shapes on Woodpecker’s Crafts, https://woodpeckerscrafts.com/reginald-laurent-dna-collection/and that’s a relationship I initiated with an email and a business plan in hand. My vendor/ supplier is now a manufacturer and distributor of my custom designed lines that are now being purchased by schools and will further enhance and broaden the scope of my Zoom sessions.

I also have forged a relationship with arts organizations who reach out to me directly. I have painted 8 pianos for Pianos for Peace, and I am ambassador for peace, helping to place beautiful pianos in underserved public venues.

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 art journey has been nothing short of amazing. I am best known for my DNA series art style, which is essentially an exaggeration of the doodles I created as a child. My art is a labyrinth of geometric and organic shapes, bursting with color and abstract energy. This style is also used by teachers to introduce students to the basics of art. The DNA series encourages students to use a myriad of shapes, emblazon each with colors, and harmonize them together. Through my art, I strive to achieve what we, as humans, often find challenging.

I consider this phase of my art career as my “unintended legacy.” Among all my artistic accomplishments, nothing surpasses the honor of having my work used as a visual reference by teachers and being taught to children worldwide.

My art has evolved in countless ways, earning me recognition as a multidisciplinary artist who works with various mediums and substrates. What began as doodles evolved into paintings, and now I create the same style in a 3D format through wood assemblages. My art has come full circle, and there seems to be no end in sight as I continue to find new ways to express what is ingrained in my artistic DNA.

Challenges can arise when your art becomes “branded,” and you venture beyond what you’re known for. Sometimes, this new work is either heavily critiqued or not embraced due to its unfamiliarity. This was a risk for me that paid off. My art is wholly accepted because I, Reginald Laurent, created it, regardless of the medium. That is a level of success that eludes many artists.

Interestingly, the works I create outside of my DNA style are now garnering significant attention.

I have overcome artistic challenges by staying true to myself and creating whatever flows through me. I don’t always focus on whether my art will be accepted or find a place in a collector’s home or museum’s collection. I create because I must. My connection with diverse mediums ensures that I never grow bored and allows me to continually dive headfirst into my infinite well of creativity.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When friends and family visit Atlanta, the cool thing is I can always take them places to see my art in public settings. I have a 99-canvas installation in the Central Library as well as another painting that is 4′ x 12′ long.

I have a piano I created for Pianos for Peace at The King Center, and I also have art on a book box in the 5 Points Marta station. When the extension of my creativity spills into the public sector it allows for mass appreciation.

I also have art in Black Art in America, so visits turn into art hopping adventures. My involvement in the Atlanta arts community also means that there are art events every weekend. I support my artist friends, just as they support me. At this writing, I have work in two group art shows, and a few more are on the horizon.

I also have a High Museum membership, and even though I don’t have anything there (yet), it’s another venue where I take friends to immerse themselves in my world.

The food becomes secondary to the visual feasts the arts community serves up.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are many Art Angels who have come to my aid. I would like to give a personal shout out to Pianos for Peace, and its CEO Malek Jandali for enlisting my help in painting pianos for public venues. This has been one of the most fulfilling art-portunities I have ever had. The feeling I get when I see someone physically playing a work of art that I created is the absolute best.

The best part is that the pianos are placed for public use in places where funding for and access to a piano may not be possible. Schools, nursing homes, the Atlanta beltline, youth centers and more have all been recipients of these wonderful instruments.

My piano that was recently placed at The King Center is an awe-inspiring part of my legacy that came as a result of being directly associated with this worthwhile non-profit. I can’t think of a better home for that piano.

This organization has allowed me yet another platform/ canvas to display my many artistic talents. Not every artist gets to have this much fun!!

Website: https://www.laurentoriginals.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurentoriginals/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reginald.laurent

Other: https://www.studionoizepodcast.com/episodes/a-relationship-with-color-reginald-laurent

Image Credits
All images by artist