Artist Spotlight: Kayla aka Honey Ube Baby
Kayla is an artist based in Los Angeles. We featured Kayla in our GIRLS issue, so we caught up with her to talk about all things artistry, inspiration, and passion.
What’s some interesting things about you that you think you could share?
I was born in the Philippines and raised in the Bay Area. After high school, I never stayed in one place for too long, I’ve been moving up and down the west coast for the last six years. Now I live in sunny Los Angeles, and I plan on staying here for a while! Every city I’ve lived in has a unique taste in art and I love admiring the diversity of murals I can find in every city.
When did you discover that you had a passion for art?
I’ve always loved to draw, paint, and admire other works but I never really considered myself an artist growing up. I didn’t start taking art more seriously until 2020 when I was bored at home and that’s all I could do at the time. I would paint, collage, do random arts and crafts everyday. I eventually got an iPad and that’s when I started my Instagram account exclusively for my creations. Since then, I feel like I’ve fallen in love with art all over again!
What inspires your pieces?
Feminine figures inspire pretty much all of my work. I love the beauty of femininity, specifically in mundane situations, where they can completely be themselves. A lot of the time, my personal projects come from sadness in my life, where I draw out my feelings as a way of releasing them.
How do you stay inspired?
Honestly, there are some days when I’m not! I don’t beat myself over that though, I’ll find my way back to creating through one way or another, whether it be watching a movie or enjoying time with my friends.
What’s your favorite thing about being an artist?
Being able to connect with other folks from different places! I’ve had the pleasure of creating mutual friendships with other artists or folks who have supported my work. It’s such a heartwarming feeling when something I created connects me with other people that lead to beautiful friendships.
How does your identity shape your art?
The ties between my identity and my art are a mixed salad of personal experiences, cultural influences, and emotional nuances. I try to challenge myself to create pieces that carry feelings towards something in my life.
What is some advice that you would have for other artists who are in a constant cycle of perfecting their craft?
Don’t pressure yourself to be perfect! Sometimes you’ll hit a few art blocks but I believe the purpose of art is to have fun and enjoy the process of creating. As time goes on and the more you create, the better you will see your craft become. It’s a satisfying feeling.
Keep up with Kayla, here:
@honeyube.baby on instagram
