Today we’d like to introduce you to Dominique Labaki.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I come from a culturally diverse background. My mom is from the Philippines, my dad is from Lebanon, and they met in Saudi Arabia. Due to this Global meet up and being born in California, I would spend half of my life in Lebanon and half in the United States growing up. Having had this global exposure and having my life shifted around by global events, I pursued Political Science/International Affairs and Global Studies at UC Riverside. I was innately interested in what was occurring around the world, how people interact and how events are connected.
As expected, life isn’t a straight arrow. After I graduated, I worked as a Research Assistant and Archivist at the Sam Francis Foundation. While at the foundation, this experience made me realize how my soul aligned more closely to artistic endeavors. Although I would sketch here and there throughout high school and college, I cultivated a new understanding of how art can translate human experience and existence.
Wanting a more hands on role in the creative process, I worked for an LA based design/build firm as an associate designer and executive assistant. This experience really allowed me to understand the creative process from concept to completion. During the design process I was also able to create several hand drawn artworks for Ivory on Sunset at the Mondrian Hotel and a custom wallpaper and logo for Hedley’s on Robertson Blvd in West Hollywood.
Most recently I hold the position of Office Manager at a hedge fund in Century City. It’s a fascinating industry in terms of understanding behavior and pattern and I make sure things run smoothly at our office. While that is my daytime endeavor, once I’m home I get to work on my artwork.
Please tell us about your art.
I mainly work with ink on paper, wood, or canvas. Each line is individually hand drawn and the entirety of the work carries an underlying point of conversation for the viewer to connect with. As abstract as they are, there is flow and dance that is lifted off the page when I create. Beginning from a meditative practice, I feel that the emotion that is poured out gives the work life.
Themes that I explore are of being, movement, and form. What also rises off the page are landscapes, animals, and flora.
Given everything that is going on in the world today, do you think the role of artists has changed? How do local, national or international events and issues affect your art?
I think the role of the artist more important than ever. Although the globalization of industry and technology has made us more connected, it has also developed a way to disconnect us from our peers and environment. Artists have a way of questioning and observing the landscape we live in and directing focus towards patterns prevalent in our society.
I feel that my art touches on human experience and existence and if it can create a reaction or sparks an idea or emotion in another person, its purpose has been made.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
If anyone (based in LA) is interested in looking at the work in person or if anyone are interested purchasing a piece they can contact me directly. My contact information is on my Instagram and website.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dominiquelabaki.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @dominiquelabaki
Image Credit:
Self (for art)
RAW Artists (for photo of booth)
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
