Meet Amber Ledet of Pick It Up LA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Ledet.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I found art about five years ago during a period of depression and lots of bed rest due to health problems. I spent lots of time indoors and to pass the time, one day I decided to play with some watercolor paints lying around the house. I discovered I was naturally pretty good at painting and developed a deep love for the craft. I’ve been hooked ever since. Painting has mostly been a therapeutic mode of expression in my life.

A form of meditation that helped me process tough emotions or themes in my growth as a woman. It is only recently that I have begun to think of art as a business. Now, I am working toward becoming a full-time artist. I currently sell original artwork and merchandise, curate events and instruct. I love that I get to share my gifts with others in so many ways.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Apart from the average struggle of learning how to navigate my passion as a business, I’d say the only REAL obstacles have had to do with my self and battling self-doubt and insecurity that can come with putting yourself out there as an artist of any kind.

I’ve noticed that the more I’ve taken myself seriously, the more other people do too… which then leads to more potential opportunities and connections. Putting your stuff out there takes courage and confidence which is not always easy to have in the midst of also trying to gain exposure, invest properly, make the right connections and everything else that comes with becoming business oriented around a craft that is so personal to you.

Also, I would say that as much pride as I’ve taken in learning skills on my own (without schooling), learning business skills is definitely one area I wouldn’t mind having a mentor for. For now, I’m learning as I go and enjoying the journey.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Pick It Up LA – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
First, I am an artist… primarily oil painting but also drawing, watercolor and designing. I am also a partner in Pick It Up LA, an artist collective creating space for creatives to showcase their skills in art, poetry, music and other forms of expression. Saidah Gray, my childhood friend, is the creator of the business and also an artist herself.

I am a featured artist, curator, and instructor. We just celebrated our one year anniversary with an artist showcase featuring art & poetry from 16 talented women of color. It was our biggest and most successful show to date, and we are very excited about the things we have planned for this year like classes, open mic nights and more art exhibitions.

I’m most proud of the community we are building around us. I believe that is what sets us apart from other group shows out there. We aim to create a space for real connections to be made, and it’s important to us to highlight a particular problem that needs to be solved within our communities, for example, our last show featured a guest speaker on mental health.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I’m looking forward to so many things in my art career, mostly sharing my gifts with others. I’m looking forward to making an impact in helping others with healing through art in the same way art has helped me in my own healing.

That will be the primary goal of my classes, along with the classic paint & sip style class and I also plan to work with children. I’m also excited to grow Pick It Up LA with Saidah Gray and our other partner Shion Love, an amazing writer and poet.

We’ve grown so much over the past year & have so much in store. I’m excited to continue to build a solid community around the arts. Lastly, I plan to merge my love of making clothes into my artistic endeavors by starting a clothing line.

Pricing:

• La Huesera. 24″x24″ oil on canvas $1200
• Untitled. 24″x24″ Oil on canvas $1200

Contact Info:

• Website: amberledet.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: instagram.com/amberaluna
• Facebook: facebook.com/artbyamberledet
• Other: www.pickitupla.com

Image Credit:
Curtis J. Moore, David Brisco

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.