This spectacular photograph entitled Soulmates, was created by artist and Woman You Should Know, Layla Love. We had the incredible pleasure and opportunity to meet Layla a few years back, and became completely in awe of her journey, her work and her spirit.
Soulmates is a piece from Layla’s Lucid Dreaming series. In this work, she reflects on the “universal quest to see the beauty and potential of one’s own transformation… the success of which is shaped by one’s ability to see the world differently.”
Layla’s beautiful work is a reflection of her own journey and transformation. At the age of 5, she was diagnosed with Dystonia, a crippling neurological disorder that causes painful muscle contractions, much like Juvenile Parkinson’s disease. Spending most of her childhood in a wheelchair, Layla became fascinated with the beauty that surrounded her. She received a camera as a gift from her mother when she was 7, and has never stopped taking photos since. “Photography became a way of healing and giving me freedom when I could not move, I took pictures every day,” she said.
Several years ago, due to complications from the medications she took to manage her Dystonia, Layla was diagnosed with multifocal choroiditis, an irreversible scarring of the retina, which has caused her significant vision loss, and if it continues to progress, may take her vision away entirely. Today, more than ever, she wants to make art that really matters, “I put meaning into my art because I don’t know if I’ll wake up tomorrow and not see. I never know.” Layla shared with us recently that she is getting stronger and building a foundation of health and clear vision. She is looking forward to continuing on her path of adding to the arts and showing the world the full spectrum of what the experience of life is through her work.
Layla is a survivor, not a victim. Gloria Steinem says it best “Layla Love is an artist in all the best senses of that word — in love with and filled with the energy of life, from suffering though miracles. Her work is universal and unique at the same time. You will always know it’s hers — and your own.”
More about LaylaLove
Layla graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz where she received her B.A. in Visual Communications and Journalism. Her work has been exhibited in major international shows such as the Paris Photo Expo, Art Basel Miami and Aipad in New York.
Her solo shows include Baron, New York Kresge Town Hall, Santa Cruz and in 2009 with the support of artist and author Anthony-Haden Guest, Love held her solo exhibition, “Art Heals,” at the National Arts Club in Manhattan. Her work is in the permanent collections of The White House, The Alex Grey Foundation and The Women’s Museum in Dallas. Tiffany & Co. showcases her photographs in thirty world-wide locations including its stores in Harrod’s London, Dubai and Fifth Avenue.
Her work is truly beautiful. Love her “Angel” and her “Castle”.
Emily Anne
Hi Anne,
I love your response to Layla’s work!! I work with Layla (a fellow woman being bold in the world) and wanted to bring your attention to the fortunate coincidence that the two images you love, “Angel” and “Castle,” are on auction this week at artnet : http://www.artnet.com/ag/fulltextsearch.asp?searchstring=layla%20love.
I’ve worked with Layla on and off for the past seven years and am a true champion of her work and her voice being out in the world. If you have any questions about her or her work, please feel fully free to reach out, I’m at : LaylaLovePhotography@gmail.com.
Love,
Emily Anne
JA
To have your work be dependent on your eyes, only to then start losing your vision is unimaginable… and it must be terrifying. This is a courageous woman and I wish her much continued health. This photo is stunning.
Emily Anne
She is most certainly a courageous soul. Love to you!
Thia
This photo is amazing, as is the bravery that Layla must possess.
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