Today we’d like to introduce you to Lara Gallardo
Lara, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Lara Gallardo, a multidisciplinary artist and designer. I grew up in the vibrant city of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and have been living in Miami, Florida since 2008. I earned a BBA in Design Marketing and a Minor in Visual Arts from Parsons School of Design in New York in 1999. I consider New York my second home, as I lived there around 13 years with deep roots in the city.
Art, to me, is everything, a way to capture the essence of moments. I mostly work with acrylics, but I enjoy exploring different materials. My journey in art has been shaped by my studies, travels, encounters with different cultures, nature plays a major role, meditation and influences from artists like Matisse, Frida, Helen Frankenthaler, and Frank Stella.
My career started in fashion design in the early 2000s, with my private label Laradiva. My designs have been sold in stores like Anthropologie, Bloomingdales, and Henry Bendel, and worn by celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce, Britney Spears, and Kim Cattrall. My work has appeared in various media, including “Sex and the City,” E! News, The Style Network, InStyle Magazine, US Weekly, and WWD.
Aside from fashion, I’ve ventured into acting, entrepreneurship, graphic design, public relations, and home interior styling. I also practice energetic medicine, combining spirituality and healing in my work.
I have explored many areas because I am passionate about so many interesting fields, but everything ultimately merges to my Art practice. I am constantly thinking about painting, creating piece after piece. Currently, I am working on a collection called “Interstellar,” which serves as meditative portals to future timelines, taking viewers into a state of beauty and otherworldly landscapes—creating a safe space. Additionally, I have been working on a collection that captures the intricate and delicate beauty of our own backyard beauty, the Everglades.
Working with the community is very important to me. In 2023, I led the successful Grove Makers Market – Holiday Edition with the Arts & Culture Committee of the Woman’s Club of Coconut Grove, where I serve as Recording Secretary on the Board of Directors. We are bringing back the Grove Makers Market – Holiday Edition this year on November 9th, with the same mission to raise funds for The Coconut Grove Food Pantry, The Optimistic Club, and other nonprofits. Additionally, I’ve been involved with The Maestro Cares Foundation, founded by artist Marc Anthony, for the past 10 years.
My life has been a journey of creativity, business, spiritual exploration, giving back, lots of learning, and also finding beauty all around us. I strive to bring all these elements into my work.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey has been anything but smooth. I’ve been independent from a young age, juggling multiple jobs during college to fund my education at Parsons—a feat I’m incredibly proud of. At 25, I launched my own successful brand , embracing the challenges of entrepreneurship even when friends and family thought I was taking a big risk. My efforts paid off, opening doors to some of the best stores both nationally and internationally. Following this, I welcomed an amazing son, whom I have raised independently, a decision I wouldn’t trade for anything. The obstacles I’ve faced have been gifts, propelling me to rise above and soar instead of succumbing to victimhood. These experiences have made me stronger, wiser, and profoundly grateful for the gift of life.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a visual artist specializing in acrylic on canvas and mixed media. My work delves into the interconnectedness of the natural and spiritual realms, intertwined with the universal languages of love, beauty, and unseen energy fields. By immersing myself in nature and exploring its textures, colors, and forms, alongside the depths of the quantum world, I create pieces that channel colors and capture ineffable emotions and vibrations. My art spans from camouflaged abstractions and modern landscapes to sacred geometry and the allure of the human form, always pushing boundaries and seeking to reveal our boundless human potential.
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of my integrity, resilience, my ongoing curiosity, deep love, and the ability to translate meditative states and healing visions onto the canvas. Each piece of art I create holds profound meaning, aiming to uplift the soul and transport the viewer to a realm of contemplation. If my work captivates someone, even for a fleeting moment, stirring their soul or evoking deep reflection, I consider that a significant achievement. This connection with my audience and the ability to convey beauty and depth through my art is what I cherish most.
What sets you apart from others?
We are all unique in our own ways, even though we are interconnected in this world. What sets me apart is my commitment to exploring the transcendental through art in a very peculiar way. My work might be misunderstood now, but who knows what the future holds. I stay true to my intuition and honor my creations by bringing them to life. I see myself as a radio station, transmitting ideas from the cosmos onto the canvas. I’ve always thought outside the box and don’t live by societal constraints; I strive to unveil the boundless potential within us all.
My artistic journey is deeply introspective, using abstraction as a profound mode of existential processing. Each creation is more than just paint and composition; it is a conduit for navigating personal, spiritual, and intellectual realms. This dedication to imbuing each piece with profound meaning and my vision of beauty, divinity, freedom, and consciousness truly distinguishes my work.
How do you define success?
Success is living authentically, doing what you love most, and bringing beauty and joy to the world around you. It means being enveloped by love and sharing that love with others. And when I say love it covers all bases of perfect health, happiness, family, etc… That is success to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.onemindlab.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onemindlabco
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OneMindLab/
- Twitter: https://x.com/onemindlab
Image Credits
Credit: One Mind Lab
