Today we introduce La Shada Kai, a P.S ARTS Teaching Artist who joined our team during the Teaching Artist Summer Intensive (TASI) this past July. Read on to find out more about La Shada and her experience with P.S. ARTS.
Tell us about yourself and your art discipline.
My name is La Shada Kai, (Ms.) Shada or “L” to my artists. I’ve had an unorthodox journey to becoming a Teaching Artist. My background is in fashion with an emphasis on trend and color forecasting. Shortly after my return to California, I began painting again for self-care which led to becoming a community teaching artist, partnering with nonprofits and mental healthcare facilities to share the benefits of creating with color via painting and/or textiles. I’m a huge advocate for creative wellness and self-care. I am an intuitive abstract painter and fashionmonger. I look forward to building a complementary and contrasting community with my young artists in and outside of the classroom.
Share a “magic moment” you experienced teaching in the last year or in Teaching Artist Summer Intensive (TASI)!
I experienced a “Magic Moment” all throughout TASI but I’ll share a moment from my placement this summer. In only two days, a young artist felt comfortable sharing their art and fashion aspirations that their peers didn’t know about. I felt a full circle moment from when I was young and the teachers that noticed, understood, and spoke to my creative future.
Who is an artist you are currently inspired by?
It would be hard to think of just one as my list of artists are curated like a playlist. Hands down – Betye Saar, Gordon Shadrach, and A’driane Nieves are always in my inspiration rotation. However, my first and always is Kandinsky.
How has teaching for or training with P.S. ARTS shaped your practice as a Teaching Artist?
The TASI experience was a missing piece in my (insert infinite number) puzzle. I grew as a person, an artist, and a teacher. I am now able to articulate my intentions of building community through colors, using fashion and visual arts as an alternative language.
Thank you, La Shada! We are so excited to have you and your talents on the P.S. ARTS team. To learn more about the Teaching Artist Summer Intensive (TASI) training referred to in this blog, click here.
