the [original] art*...
"Keep up the good work!" - Russell Simmons, Hip Hop Brand Mogul
Strawberry 29 stands as a testiment to where Lariadi has come. Her first large-scale piece using oil pastels, Strawberry 29 was created on the floor of the artist's apartment as she worked part-time as a cashier for a sandwich shop one block away. Created during a point in the artist's life when pursuing art as an actual career was but a dream, the feeling of despair is apparent in the usage of blues and taupes. In the midst of painting the piece, the depressed artist began to recapture hope as the colors became brighter and more intense as she worked from top to bottom. While experimenting with the extensive textures created by the oil medium, the strawberry-esque lips, which were created last, reflect Lariadi's subconscience fetish with sensuously large lips. 18x24
"My Girlfriend's Hand" Chalk Pastel
Angered by the number of women depicted in art throughout history for the primary use of visual experimentation and sexual exploitation, Lariadi responded by creating My Girlfriend's Hand which utilizes the title as a psychological diversion from the heavily detailed subject matter. In this prequel to "Interrupted Gossip", an unfinished female hand is exposing the well-defined abdominal structure and obliques, causing him to become the object of objectification. The added hair teases the female imagination as does the slight exposure of a woman's cleavage to a man. The strong exaggeration in the t-shirt's wrinkles suggests that his "girlfriend" put forth effort to show off her eye-candy. Indeed, she did.
Original & limited prints available.
"Stained-Glass Jesus" Colored Ink
"Lord," Lariadi prayed, "Can you help me with portraying what you look like?" Eyes still closed, Lariadi composed a blind sketch of what became Stained-Glass Jesus, a modern depiction of a portrait of Jesus. Here, he is shown in a Mulatto shade with as many as five hair colors ranging from blonde to auburn to the darkest brown, by which many can relate to him. The sun in the center of His face symbolizes that He is the Son of God, and part of the Holy Trinity as shown by the three distinct sunrays shining forth from the sun. The dove to the right represents the Holy Ghost, and the rainbow was added because of its meaning, a promise that there would never again be a world-wide flood after the one in Noah's day.
What's more important, the artist feels, is that Jesus is able to love and relate to us all--regardless of who we are, or our status, rank or measure.
Limited prints available.
"The Mercy Seat" Acrylic on Custom-Built Canvas
Commissioned for a church leader, this painting is a Biblical portrayal of the alter in the Most Holy Place. The reference is from the Old Testament tabernacle and it is referred to as the "Mercy Seat."
$1,500.00
-SOLD-
"Back to Church" Watercolor
In this Warhol-inspired pop-art painting, this party girl who lives the fast life decides she wants to "try something new" after a long night of clubbing and bar hopping. With a half-smoked cigarette in hand, she courageously flags down a taxi to go to church, but only after struggling with how she'll be viewed based on her appearance. This painting attempts to reveal the thought process of those who visit church for the first time in decades or ever, and how they may expect to be percieved. Back To Church addresses the unfortunate issue of wrongly passed judgment within churches, at times, towards visitors when the only One truly worthy to actually judge is God.
Original & limited prints available.
"Asian Beauty" Oil Pastel
In Asian Beauty, the woman's hair and butterfly are the only elements that display color because, in essence, that's all that truly matters. Skin tone wasn't given to the woman so that the emphasis would be placed on the general beauty of her as a woman. The unfinished shoulders and hand draw further attention to the woman's georgeous multi-racial features. Natural, non-surgically enhanced beauty is to be coveted after a pure character...and in this oil work, hers just happens to originate in Asia.
Original & limited prints available.
"Just Look Up, Man" Textured Acrylic on Canvas
"Just Look Up, Man" was inspired by a neon "Jesus Saves" sign that can be seen on Auburn Ave. from I-75 in Atlanta, GA. The sign, affixed high upon a large church steeple, is visible when coming from clubs, bars, and the like. The red-faced character in this acrylic painting is down on his luck, coming from a bar, smoking and drinking with bags under his eyes from worrying about his problems. As he tries to drown his sorrows with booze and such, the city's slumped skyscrapers draped in melancholly shades of blue and violet mope with him. With an unkempt beard and a tangible textured afro that transforms into dark clouds, the character looks down into despair, when all he has to do to find resolution is "Just Look Up, Man."
Original & limited prints available.
- Peter Barnet, ArtID.com
Usher in Ink
This 9" x 12" pen and ink portrait was drawn with a simple Bic pen. The very fine cross-hatching technique allows for immense facial detail. This particular portrait was the first of a Celebrity Portrait Series, and was drawn from the cover of The Peach magazine. Get your ink portrait today by e-mailing your size preference and a clear, close up photo to lariadi@yahoo.com.
Jared in Ink
This 9" x 12" pen and ink portrait was also drawn with a simple Bic pen. The very fine cross-hatching technique allows for immense facial detail. After being discovered on MySpace, many commission requests resulted, including one for this portrait. This sold portrait was drawn from a photo, which is especially convenient for those who don't have the time to pose for over an hour, or those who simply cannot keep still for too long! Get your ink portrait today by e-mailing your size preference and a clear, close up photo to lariadi@yahoo.com.
Emoni in Charcoal
This 11 x 14 portrait was drawn with a charcoal pencil, conte crayon, pastel & vine stick to create such depth and detail. This portrait was drawn from a camera-phone taken photo which was emailed to Lariadi and then mailed to the client upon finishing.
Note: S & H is included in your order if you are outside of the Metro Atlanta area.
"Love, If Visible"
Ever wonder what Love would look like if you could see it? Well in the same way that you can't see the wind, but only the effects of it, Love is one of those things that is classified as "non-visible, results-only." However, if you could see it, run your fingertips across it, and squeeze the matter that you reach through to get to it, according to Lariadi, this is exactly what Love would look like. Warm... hot... intense... unpredictable... confusing... deep... multi-dimensional... beautiful... and indescribeable. This oil work has a 3-D effect that sucks you in and leaves you breathless and in need of a cool glass of water. It's the next best thing to the actual thing. It's Love, If Visible.
Original & limited prints available.
To order a print or inquire of pricing, CLICK HERE.
*All paintings are created with the highest quality paints and canvas, and are archival to stand the test of time--protecting your investment.
Lariadi utilizes her passion, photographic memory, and vivid imagination to portray realistic and emotional expression in each masterpiece. Surreal visual fantasies with immense detail and accuracy are the result.
Only "true" art enthusiasts, celebrities, and hard-core art collectors who seek the ULTIMATE in uniqueness and quality attain the works of Lariadi. Does that not describe you? Enjoy!