Joy Lalita Wade's Page

     I always had a love for art as early as I can remember. Growing up in a richly diverse family, who gave me the encouragement to follow my dreams.

     I find my inspiration from the vivid memories, experiences, stories and curiosity and enthusiasm for people. As a child, I was fascinated and heavily influenced by Romare Bearden, Gordon Parks, Jean Basquiat and the early 20th century art and music; it was such a seduction for a child growing up in the sixties. Never forgetting the passionate fascination with the powerful visions that inspired Bearden, Parks and Basquiat. I incorporate tiny bits of their vision into my work, with new vistas of my own always on the horizon.

     This passion is reflected in my signature mix media style, in which I combines innovation and tradition using paper and acrylic in unorthodox techniques to paint a piece of work. I do not use random pieces of paper, I choose every piece, it is a part of my palette. By creating from the uniqueness of each individual, I try to capture the human spirit and its essence of a time and place in rich vibrant colors and textures.

     As an artist/illustrator, I like to leave room for the viewer's interpretation; to look in the face of the imagery and experience awe and mystery from the human whose image it was taken from.

     An illustrator by profession, I am a graduate from Saint Louis University with a Bachelor's degree in studio and media design. Now residing in Missouri, I have spent the past years freelancing as a book and commercial illustrator and showing in galleries and being ready for opportunity when it presents itself.