Meet LaDuska York | Artist-Painter

We had the good fortune of connecting with LaDuska York and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi LaDuska, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I became a painter a little over 2 years ago after becoming agoraphobic due to my bipolar type II diagnosis. I was able to connect with others from a distance with my paintings. Since then, painting has become my greatest doctor and my greatest medicine.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a painter of fine art. Dabbling in a variety of styles, including abstract, landscapes, vintage flowers and custom designs. My approach is ever changing as I love creating all kinds of varying pieces.
The fact that I’m doing what I’m doing at all is nothing but a miracle. I started painting out of desperation to connect with others while dealing with a mental illness. I put everything I had into painting because well, secretly, I always wanted to be a painter, but sheer desperation and a lot of patience brought me to it. I started posting my completed paintings on social media, and it just took off.

The next thing you know, I’m 200 painting in a year later and I’ve gone to get a haircut in this cute little town just around the corner from where I live, called Old Town Spring, Texas.
So I ask the hair stylist if it’s hard to find a place to rent around there (a totally fleeting thought! I had no idea that that one question would lead me to where I am now!)
She says, “girl it’s your lucky day!” And I said, “it is?!!!”
She’s ultimately got me the phone number for a landlord with a place available! It just all came together so easily. . It was affordable and cute. It’s a small art gallery, but it’s a one of a kind.

I make statement pieces that stand out to the eye, as much as they draw you in, through delicacy and detail. I am a self-taught artist. I take direction from my higher self, the spirits that be, and The Holy Ghost.

I carry other artisans work in my shop too, like handmade jewelry, unique crocheted items, photography, art prints, “treasure bags”, beautiful broaches, candles, and hand carved wooden pencil boxes. I feature another painter to the gallery as otherwise all of the paintings are mine. My featured artist, Natalya Tarasova, has a total of 8 paintings hanging and two have already sold.
I’m most proud of that! I love sharing the magic of having the opportunity to create an artists conglomerate within my gallery.

I enjoyed being a part of a couple of Art Shows hosted by Hardy & Nance Studios in Houston, Texas. It was a total honor to have my art hang on their walls… that place is historical!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in Spring, but I’m no stranger to a galavant on over to The Woodlands. I love the wooded scenery, it’s so dense!
I like Market Street. La Madeleine’s French onion soup was a staple in my life. I also like sweet grass. I recently went vegetarian and they have the best vegetarian bowls! The Creperie there is delightful too! I’d then of course want to spend a few hours strolling Old Town Spring! I have my art gallery there, but I don’t get much of an opportunity to just stroll around it anymore. It’s full of great restaurants and boutiques, and shops of all kinds. Then I’d probably head home and paint. I paint a lot! I recently completed my 281st painting

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely! A huge shout out to my mentors: my mother, who never gives up despite her many obstacles. My friend Jason Labinger who’s ALWAYS there in a pinch. He bailed me out of jail once and he’s always supportive!! He paid my first months rent and deposit when I opened my Art Gallery! And a special shout out to I’m sure an unsuspecting Aunt of mine, sweet Aunt Carol Anne, for supporting me with her heart and soul.

Website: https://Sweetsagefineart.com

Instagram: @sweetsagefineart

Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/laduska-york

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087388223011&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@sweetsagefineart?si=du3y2ewj27OmzoiD

Image Credits
LaDuska York