One doesn’t have to be curator to appreciate great art. Acrylic paintings and collages using various mediums are my favorite. I had the pleasure of view pieces of local artist Lajuan Wright. A Bridgeport native, of Jamaican descent, always had a knack for art, particularly drawing, painting and sculpting from a young age. Inspired by his surroundings is what make his pieces seem like reality coming to life with the possibility of being in any living room as a great conversation piece.
I took a look at a few pieces from his personal collection as he walked me through each piece. I like his use of colors and the subtle grit. Nurturing his talent through college, Wright paints solely from inspiration, but you can’t buy his original pieces just yet. Check out why with our mini Q&A
Style & Vibes: What inspired you to be an artist?
Lajuan Wright: My mother. She’s actually an artist too, she’s a sculptor and designer. My brother and I would model the clothes she designed. Also my grandmother sculpted things like salt & pepper shakers, and she sews as well. I’ve always been inspired in the creative realm. I started off drawing and my mom introduced me to painting and sculpting.
S&V: Which one is your favorite and why?
LW: Power. I guess it’s the imagery of power. The saying of knowledge is power applies, but more thoughts transitioning to words; which (to me) is one of the most powerful things out there.
S&V: Walk me through a few of your pieces
LW: I’ve been painting for a while, but this was the first real piece that I was inspired to do with the black cap (pictured above) I guess I kind of symbolized me and where I’m from. This next one, Bricks is inspired by roses growing from the concrete; similar to Tupac’s book of poetry. Here’s a painting of my wife, mother simple, but showing the energy of birth. The Vision Piece has more of a biblical meaning. Through all the chaos great people are always able to see through the chaos. That’s what I ask for it’s kind of like my daily bread “May the Lord allow me to see through all the chaos, just so I can know what to do next in my own life.”
S&V: How often do you paint?
LW: I paint and I 
draw. The concept I’ll actually put to paper first, but I usually paint 2-4 pieces a month.
S&V: Are your pieces for sale?
LW: Not for sale yet, I’m accumulating at the moment, building my collection. I have over a hundred pieces, but they’re more or less drawings. Right now I’d sell the images, but not the actually pieces yet, they’re too connected to my heart.
S&V: Would you be able to replicate if someone asked you to?
LW: Easily.
S&V: What can we expect in the future?
LW: The ultimate goal is to open a gallery, but I’d like to get a few pieces into other galleries. I’m in the process of getting a few in Bridgeport and Hartford, so I’ll definitely keep you posted.
Mikelah
Mikelah is a Caribbean Culture expert, curating the bridge between the Caribbean and its diaspora. A CUNY Baruch College graduate with a BBA in Marketing. With previous experience with Caribbean lifestyle brands such as VP Records, Tempo TV and JAMROCK Magazine. Currently serving as a digital marketing maven by day, while continuing to collaborate with Caribbean brands.
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