Posted by Curry S. on Jan 24th 2020
Featured Artist: Nyla Smith-Lachman
Nyla Smith-Lachman is an illustrator currently living and working in Maine. Her work is nostalgic and dreamlike with a vintage essence, almost always starring a woman in a fantasy setting. Nyla grew up in Oregon and has always been influenced by beauty in nature and in human beings and storytelling. She decided very early on to dedicate every possible moment to cultivating her love and talent for drawing and sharing it with friends and strangers alike.
Artist & Craftsman Supply: Who are you and what do you do?
Nyla Smith-Lachman: My name is Nyla Smith-Lachman, I am a visual artist specializing in illustration. I also love to make jewelry based off the characters in my art works. For the past three years I have been creating posters and art for Maine based bands and musical events. I am currently working on a 78-piece India ink series based on Tarot, it’s history, and symbolism. This winter I am beginning a career in tattooing, a whole new media for my illustrations.
A&C: Did you go to school for art/what is your background?
NSL: I have only a couple years’ worth of art school under my belt. I am mostly self-taught and continue to learn and evolve from practicing as much and whenever I can.
A&C: Do you have a favorite artist/piece of art?
NSL: I have had several phases of obsession over the works of artist such as Andy Warhol and Gustav Klimt. I feel very drawn to Art Deco style illustrations and Japanese folk art.
A&C: What drew you to art initially?
NSL: I have been drawing ever since I could hold a marker/crayon/pencil. Some of my earliest memories are of illustrating short stories that my mother would write down for me.
A&C: What is your go-to album/artist right now (in the studio)?
NSL: When in the studio I often have to work in silence because I love to sing along and dance to music which is fun but distracting if I am trying to get work done.
A&C: What do you like most about Artist & Craftsman Supply?
NSL: Ever since I moved to Maine I have found every excuse to wander around Artist & Craftsman. I get lost in the paper section and spend all my “fun money” on postcards and random supplies that I have plans for (someday).
A&C: What’s one thing you can’t leave the store without buying?
NSL: I can’t leave the store without restocking my colored pencil collection and micron pens of every size.
