Life & Work with Lenny Gerard of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lenny Gerard.

Hi Lenny, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I studied at Parsons School of Design in New York from 2010 to 2015, double-majoring in Liberal Arts and Photography. While in school, I interned constantly and had the chance to work with a lot of celebrities — my favorite internship being at Island Def Jam under Universal Music Group, where I really got a taste of the music and entertainment world. After graduating, I moved to Los Angeles and spent the next decade in advertising. There, I found myself working red carpets, producing concerts, and collaborating with household names on large-scale events, which sharpened both my creative and production skills.

My path took an unexpected turn when a freak accident left me paralyzed, forcing me to relearn how to walk three separate times. I spent a year in the hospital recovering, and that experience gave me a completely new perspective. Once I healed, I made the decision to commit fully to my art. Today, my work reflects both the training and industry experience that shaped me, as well as the resilience and deeper vision I gained from that journey.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. When I was in New York, people often told me my work was too commercial and that I should move to Los Angeles. Once I got to Los Angeles, people started saying my work was too conceptual and would probably do really well back in New York. So I’ve lived in this in-between space, where my art doesn’t quite fit into one box or the other. At first that felt like a struggle, but over time I realized that’s actually my strength — I don’t have to belong to one scene. My work exists in the gray area, and that’s what makes it unique.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a multidisciplinary artist, and what excites me most is the ability to move fluidly between different mediums — from photography and painting to collage and assemblage. But beyond the studio, I’ve found my purpose in sharing those practices with the community. I work with underserved populations at places like the Braille Institute, the Los Angeles LGBT Center, and a nonprofit called Painted Brain that supports people with mental health challenges.

I think I’m best known for bridging my personal artistic practice with teaching and outreach. What I’m most proud of isn’t just the work I create, but the moments where I’ve helped people use art as a tool for healing, expression, and empowerment. That’s also what sets me apart: I don’t see art as something that only exists within galleries. For me, it’s about connection — and creating spaces where people who may feel overlooked can discover their own creativity.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I like best about Los Angeles is the sheer number of galleries and creative spaces — there’s always something new to see. At the same time, the community itself feels small and interconnected, so you quickly get to know other artists and curators, which makes it feel supportive. What I like least is the geography of it all — the galleries are so spread out across the city. Unlike New York, where you can walk from one gallery to the next, here you often have to drive long distances just to see a few shows in a day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lennygerard.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lenny__gerard?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenybehar