A Journey Through Art with Lorenzo Gayden

How did you begin your journey as an artist?
I have always had an eye for aesthetics via my love of automotive design and a penchant for drawing a early as age 5. It took an unfulfilling stint as a mechanical engineering major to get back to my first love of art. 

What inspires your creativity?
My loves of music and the feminine form drive a lot of my artistic expression, but my inspiration comes from many other facets of life as well. I am particularly inspired by the energy and intelligence exuded by jazz musicians, whether through their artistry or their life's stories. 

Tell us about one work of art that you no longer own but wish you kept.
There was a life-sized self- portrait that I did in college that I sold in a student art sale that I kinda wish I still had in my portfolio, but i generally don't have regrets about others acquiring my art, as I am honored when my art speaks to others.

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What advice would you give someone who desires to work as an artist?
I'd say...become a consumer of art. Learn to appreciate what moves you from other artists' works, but avoid analysis paralysis. Then figure out what you wish to communicate to the world and create! Lastly, and most importantly, focus on how to most effectively share your art with the world. These are things that I oft say to myself. 

What does success look like for you?
Success lies in finding one's voice, discovering what one wishes to express with said voice, and creating a cultural dialog with those souls waiting to hear your unique perspective, while constantly refining oneself and growing. 

How can we follow you?
https://www.facebook.com/lorenzo.gayden/
https://www.facebook.com/sanaafineart/
https://www.instagram.com/sanaarts_man/?hl=en
www.sanaagalleries.com

ABOUT LORENZO GAYDEN
Lorenzo Gayden is a native of Jackson, MS who discovered his love for creating art at an early age. His academic pursuits landed him at Mississippi State University as an engineering major before eventually reconnecting with his love of art at Jackson State University (JSU) as a Fine Arts major. It was here that Lorenzo’s artistic journey began.
Lorenzo has entered and won various juried art competitions, including Best of Show and purchase awards in the annual Storyteller’s Ball Juried Art Exhibit (sponsored by the Greater Jackson Arts Council). He subsequently participated in solo and group exhibitions at The Smith Robertson Museum, Jackson Municipal Art Gallery, Mississippi Art Center and the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center. He has active collectors from Mississippi to California.
Despite these accomplishments, Mr. Gayden had a desire to make an even bigger impact on the Arts community here in Jackson. In 2008, he opened Sanaa Gallery. Here, he displays his own art as well as the work of nationally renown art luminaries such as Professor Johnnie Mae Maberry, Harold Miller and the late Gwendolyn Magee.
Currently, Lorenzo is a practicing artist, gallery owner and musician/co-founder of the Southern Komfort Brass Band. His Art can be described as expressionist, primarily featuring music-based themes and dynamic figurative work.