About Lala Janpop

I grew up in Jacksonville, Florida, a city bursting with vibrant colors, the relentless oppressive heat of the summer sun, and the complexities of a dysfunctional family dynamic that shaped much of my early life. This environment, while challenging, became the backdrop for my creative journey. From a young age, I discovered that I could escape the chaos around me by diving deep into my imagination through the medium of art. It was more than just a pastime; it became my sanctuary, a place where I could express my thoughts and feelings freely. I always wanted to be an artist; it was really my only dream, a passion that burned brightly within me. By the time I reached high school, I was determined to hone my skills and immerse myself in the world of creativity. I took every art class available to me at Sandalwood High School, where I graduated in 2003, under the nurturing and artistic supervision of Ms. Emily Cheek, who played a pivotal role in my development as an artist.

After high school, I enrolled at Florida Community College of Jacksonville, where I took two drawing classes that further refined my abilities and deepened my appreciation for the art form. In 2005, I married my high school sweetheart, which brought a new chapter to my life. During this time, I actively participated in local art markets in Jacksonville, showcasing my work and selling pieces to patrons at local breweries. Although I was surrounded by opportunities to share my art, I found myself hesitating to fully commit to a career in the arts, a decision that would come to weigh heavily on me as I moved into adulthood.

In 2016, I made a significant life change by relocating to Seattle, Washington, a city renowned for its thriving art scene, diverse culture, and innovative spirit. The shift in environment was invigorating, providing me with fresh inspiration and countless opportunities for artistic growth. Throughout my life, I have always identified as an artist, continually seeking to explore new mediums and techniques that would enhance my creative expression. I developed a penchant for mixing mediums, allowing my work to evolve in unexpected and exciting ways. The year 2020 proved to be particularly transformative; it was a time when I could finally dedicate a significant portion of my time to painting. This newfound freedom coincided with my decision to prioritize my mental health through talk therapy, a step I had been hesitant to take but ultimately realized was essential for my well-being. During this period, I also began taking classes toward my Associate of Arts degree, broadening my academic horizons and reinforcing my commitment to my artistic journey.

As part of my artistic education, I enrolled in a few painting classes at North Seattle College, where I had the privilege of learning from Professor Daphne Minkoff, whose guidance enriched my understanding of color, composition, and technique. In 2022, I began working with children, an experience that proved to be more rewarding than I had ever expected. Witnessing their unfiltered creativity and joy in the process of making art reignited my own passion and reminded me of the pure joy that art can bring. Most recently, I took a bold step and started teaching art classes at my private studio, Art by Lala Janpop. This space has become a nurturing and inspiring environment for artists of all ages, where they can explore their creativity and develop their skills in a supportive community.

My dedication to the transformative power of art has led me to pursue further education in art therapy. I aim to combine my artistic talents with therapeutic techniques to support individuals in their emotional and psychological healing journeys. Art has played a crucial role in my own healing process, and I firmly believe that it holds the potential to be a powerful tool for others as well. By integrating art into therapeutic practices, I hope to help individuals express their feelings, confront their challenges, and ultimately find solace and healing through creativity. Each brushstroke, each color choice, and each moment spent in the studio is a testament to the profound impact that art can have on our lives, and I am committed to sharing that gift with others.