Glamouria - Don't Let Anyone or Any Situation Stop You from your Dream By Hayat Ammouri

“Think Positive, Feel Positive, Live Positive”

If Your Art Could Speak- Nayla Kai Saroufim

Nayla Kai Saroufim is a distinguished Lebanese artist and sculptor currently working between Los Angeles and Beirut. Over the course of two decades, Nayla’s artistic journey has been a testament to her deep passion for various forms of creative expression. 

Nayla is capturing hearts and minds very fast with her innovative and vibrant artwork. In our interview with Nayla, she tells us how she stays motivated and inspired, how she overcomes obstacles and more about her journey.

What inspired you to pursue a career as an artist, and was there a specific moment when you realised this was your path?

Since I was a kid, I always wanted to be an artist, this is what I love, this is my happy place, this is where I create, where I dream.

The journey has not been easy, but I honestly wouldn’t change a thing. Growing up in Lebanon is a very challenging life, I started my journey in advertising, but I always wanted to be an artist. I was curious about art and wanted to explore new materials and technique.

How does Lebanon influence your work, and do you have a tradition that inspires you?

Beirut is a place full of love, creativity and inspiration. I love everything about this city, from the food, the restaurants, the art galleries, old coffee shops, the architecture…

The last time someone asked me how I’d describe Lebanon; I said it's a place of contrasts. It can be exciting and full of life, but it also comes with its challenges. While it's a place you can enjoy and appreciate, there are moments when you long for the stability and order you're used to elsewhere.

What did you learn or take from L.A? Has it shaped your work any differently?

When we first moved to L.A I felt a great energy. The vibe is happy, and so are the people. In L.A., people are very nice and sophisticated, yet super chill.

I was very inspired by the palm trees, the sun, the desert and it led to my latest collection“ Palm Springs”.

Whether it’s the benches, the Totem, the Console, or the lightings they're all reminiscent of palms.

L.A. is a desert, so it feels very dry, and that influenced my work. My pieces aren’t shiny because the weather is so dry. The colors I use reflect L.A. — the deep blue of the sky, the pure red hues, all very natural and unpolluted, the material that I work with on my pieces look like they’re made of rock or stone but are made of resin. For me, they embody the essence of L.A.

How does your art reflect your personality?

I did my studies at ALBA, a school of Beaux Arts, where I had the chance to learn and grow my artistic senses. I was always obsessed with pop culture and anything related to Art, architecture, design and material.

I was always attracted by interesting artists that take risks and make me dream. I always follow my heart, I am a very emotional person and that helped me in my work. As an artist I can only trust my emotions, I am a happy person and I want my art to reflect that. 

What has been one of the biggest obstacles in your career, and how did you overcome it?

Taking the decision to leave Beirut was the biggest obstacle in my life and in my career. As a Lebanese, we are educated to be resilient and to adapt with any situation.

How do you stay motivated and inspired?

It’s not easy to stay motivated all the time. But what also helps keeps me motivated is the challenge. I like to challenge myself and try new subjects. 

If you could collaborate with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be and what kind of project would you envision?

I'm very inspired by pop artists like Jeff Koons, and, of course, Banksy, as well as contemporary artists like Linling Lu, Kennedy Yanko, Joana Vasconceloas. It’s great to see the diversity in their work.

If you could choose one superpower to use in your art-making process, what would it be and why?

“Try to be a Rainbow in someone’s cloud” Maya Angelou

Looking back at your early work, what advice would you give your younger self just starting out in the art world?

Don’t let anyone or any situation stop you from your dream. Life is about change, and we shouldn't stay at the same level as when we started. Growth is very important to me. I started in my studio in Lebanon, and now I'm represented in 12 galleries worldwide — in South Korea, London, Paris, Miami, New York, Madrid, Los Angeles, and others... This expansion is part of my growth as an artist, which I find really exciting.

If your art could speak, what message would it want to share with the world?

Think Positive, Feel Positive, Live Positive

Where do you dream to see your art one day?

In a museum.

Nayla’s artwork has graced the walls of galleries worldwide and is currently showcased in prominent cities such as Los Angeles, New York, Seoul, London, Paris, Madrid, Doha, and Dubai. You can find more about here.