Life & Work with Victoria White of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria White.

Hi Victoria, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am an artist, storyteller, philosopher and bridge-builder.

Several years ago, a serious health struggle forced me to leave my then ten-year career as a corporate lawyer. I had no plan at the time. I only knew that I could not heal and continue working as a corporate lawyer. I had to leap and hope that the net would appear. I had faith that it would, and I was ultimately right. But that pivot took a lot of soul-searching, courage, and faith.

As I was healing, I set out to create a new professional path for myself. I only knew that I wanted my new profession to be a creative one. So, during my recovery, I set the intention to explore various creative outlets and to create something every day. That habit of creating every day eventually became my whole life. I found my true passion in combining philosophy and painting to make unique portraits that reflect not only the likeness, but also the soul of my subjects. I have used my entrepreneurial skills to build a profession and creative business around what I love.

As part of my healing process, my friend introduced me to LA-based nonprofit Indivisible Arts. The first time I volunteered, the lesson was about gratitude. The kids and teens were taught ways to practice gratitude in their daily lives, especially in the face of challenging situations. After the lesson, they expressed gratitude through a creative project.

I was hooked. It was exactly how I was living my life. I became a long-term volunteer and I give a portion of my proceeds from my art to fund the scholarship program.

Benjamin Franklin said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” The tools we teach at Indivisible Arts help young people develop strength and wisdom to understand how to cope with life’s inevitable struggles and obstacles. We are in a mental health crisis… we know that struggles with pain, when not addressed, can lead to depression, anxiety and addiction. My intention is to help these kids and teens have tools to become strong adults.

My goal is to inspire as many people as possible with my artwork, philosophy, and, most importantly, my teaching. My experience is in line with the advice of Viktor Frankl: “For success, like happiness, cannot be pursued; it must ensue, and it only does so as the unintended side-effect of one’s personal dedication to a cause greater than oneself.”

I am driven to teach my students through the most wisdom-filled lessons possible and to make the most authentic artwork I can possibly muster up.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being an entrepreneur takes a lot of energy and time. I love what I do, but I have to make a living. Each day is a balance of creating art, pursuing business opportunities, teaching kids and teens and keeping focused on my mental and physical health. When I’m creating art, I’m in flow… in the moment. But I also have to dedicate a part of time to conduct business and work on what’s next, whether it’s a new opportunity to exhibit, live painting at a public event, or finding a partnership. It’s a constant pursuit and I view it as a beautiful struggle that is part of being in the business of art.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a painter, sculptor, philosopher, mentor, and teacher born in New Orleans and living in Venice Beach, California. I paint portraits that celebrate a selection of the world’s most legendary thinkers, artists, and athletes, showcasing their philosophies that led them to their greatness. The emotionally-driven colors of my work range from subdued to bold, and the scale of my portraits are both large and larger-than-life. My intimately-close compositions compel the viewer to look at these recognizable figures from a different perspective.

In my distinctive take on portraiture, I pay homage to the intellect, creativity, beauty and character of the legends that inspire me. Some of my artwork goes beyond the traditional canvas. For instance, I captured the likeness of musicians on grand pianos, surf legends on sets of three surfboards strung together and skateboarders and artists on skateboards.

I sell my original paintings, prints, and a line of curated giftable items incorporating my artwork including super-cool crystal ashtrays and iridescent puzzles, both online and in-person at galleries and events across the country.

2023 was a big year for me. My career really took off after I had my first solo show at Resin Gallery in Hermosa Beach. I was the featured artist of the U.S. Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach and the two Beach Life Music Festivals. In addition, I had a solo exhibition at Aqua Art Miami at Miami Art Week.

This year, I exhibited at the L.A. Art Show and the Art Wynwood Art Fair at the Miami Boat Show. I also just completed my second year as the featured artist at the U.S. Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach where I live-painted a portrait of surf legend Andy Irons on triple surfboards that were strung together. I also exhibited and had a pop-up shop.

The Andy Irons portrait is available at my solo exhibition at Fabrik Projects Gallery at Bergamot Station Art Center in Santa Monica. The show is on view through September 1. Andy Iron’s story includes his struggle with mental health. So it’s fitting that proceeds from the sale of the portrait will benefit Indivisible Arts.

This winter, I will return to Miami for Miami Art Week, presenting another solo exhibition.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Rick Rubin said, “Talent is the ability to allow ideas to manifest through you.” I have so many ideas I want to manifest into existence, with both my artwork and immersive exhibitions combining live music and art. Developing the ability to manifest these ideas (what we call “talent”) requires endless practice and discipline and an insatiable desire for excellence; the courage to listen to and follow your intuition despite pressures to do the opposite; and the vulnerability and strength to show up as your truest, most authentic self. These virtues, combined with a loving, kind, playful approach to life create a magical power to manifest our ideas and thereby create beautiful art.

Contact Info:

• Website: victoriawhitecreates.com
• Instagram: @victoriawhitecreates
• Facebook: @victoriawhitecreates
• Other: TT: @victoriawhitecreates

Image Credits
Photos Courtesy of Victoria White