Morgan Lariah seems to have found herself part of many different artistic niches. But it's her mixed-media paintings that will be hanging at our next RAW showcase in Los Angeles. RSVP for March 12th to see them live! 

How did you first get started making art?
I have always painted, drawn, performed and created. I honestly can’t remember when I first “started” as its always been there. 

From where do you draw inspiration for your work?
I find that I mainly draw my inspiration from the people in my life. I often find myself (usually, at first, subconsciously) putting down their essence or the essence of our relationship or an event that transpired between us on canvas.  I keenly feel the relationships in my life (like a breathing Richter scale) and I guess my hope is to pass that onto a third party a.k.a the audience/viewer. If not the people in my life, then I find inspiration in a moment in time, captured, which will haunt/nag me until I put it down on paper. 

What do you love most about what you do? 
I adore the creative process.

Do you engage in, or draw inspiration from, any other forms of art? 
I find music is one of the quickest ways to get inspired. A great song can change you entirely within the first few seconds. I act as well, which is actually my main source of fuel (painting being my second) so ... films, theatre, plays and the whole process of building a role. It's all connected though of course. 

What sort of techniques do you most like working with? 
Tone and shadow. Various proper and improper water-colour techniques.

Medium of choice?
I prefer acrylics and mixed mediums. Film is amazing, too.

Anything you hope your viewers will take away with them after seeing your paintings? 
I have a lot of hopes. 

Are there any artists or art movements, past or present, that strongly inform and influence your work? 
Well, the German expressionism movement. I think this/they is/are the biggest influence on my work but I didn’t know it until I really started to study the movement about three years ago. It became clear at that time that there was a name. Art Deco, Patti Smith, Michael Walter, French New Wave, and Blixa Bargeld all have really informed and inspired me as well. 

Are there any specific reoccurring themes or subjects that you explore and deal with most in your work? 
Examining the human experience and psychological truths in one form or another.

Any previous exhibitions/collaborations that you are most proud of? 
I starred in and helped to produce an independent film that was screened at a film festival and referred to as a, “ dadaistisch anmutenden Experimentalfilm (a Dada-like Experimental Film)”  in his article in WAZ by Lars-Oliver Christoph. This was in Germany and with Michael Walter.

Why showcase at RAW? 
I admire the creed and M.O. of RAW. I think it's vitally important to support the arts and RAW gives people a place for that. 

Any current rising stars within the genre that you would recommend we look out for?
I think what Tino Sehgal is doing is really interesting. I plan on keeping a close eye on what he is up to.