Jaylyn Lassiter: Open Studio spotlight
Robert Almand
Jaylyn Lassiter, (M.F.A., painting), embraces natural beauty by showcasing the elegance, joy, and power of Black hair. A masters candidate in Atlanta, Jaylyn’s upcoming Open Studio showcase draws the viewer in to her world, her community, and her life through pieces including “Little Lady,” “Locs,” and “Bundles.” Her collection is a year in the making and her work will continue as she portrays the Black experience in our world today. SCAD Open Studio takes place Friday, June 26-Sunday, June 28
Jaylyn Lassiter:
Growing up, some people made comments about my hair. Negative comments. Un-educated comments. Comments that made me understand I was different. So, it was easy when I had to decide what to focus on for my senior project in undergrad — the beauty of Black hair. Black hair is more than a style or a cut. For some, it is an expression of who we are and a how we want to be seen in our community. For some, it is a reminder of our heritage and a way to show respect for those that came before us. For others, it is a fun, whimsical style element that can change on the season.
As I began painting my collection, I felt the power of the portraits come to life. At first, I was painting them on a smaller canvas, but I didn’t have enough room to capture the details. I had to crop and make sacrifices that I wasn’t willing to make. Now they are large scale paintings. The canvasses I choose allow me to fully realize the subject and allow the viewer to have a more powerful experience.
Some might not see these as typical portraits. My paintings crop out the wearer, their face and their identity, but these are portraits of hair. The hair is the subject. The hair is the story I am choosing to tell, and that story, much like each face, is unique. No two are exactly alike, and that’s a powerful message the world needs to see.
My first painting was of cornrows and that got me going. When I sold my second painting in this collection — “Locs” — I had this incredible feeling that I was really connecting with my audience. My favorite painting is “Little Lady” of a woman wearing a bright red dress and a string of pearls. Her dark arms and neck are glowing in front of a neutral background. Her hair shows signs of grey, and she has two tightly knotted buns at the base of her neck. It is simple, but I love the details.
These portraits are meant for everyone to enjoy. I am excited to share my work with the SCAD community through Open Studio.
I have felt at home at SCAD and have loved my experience in Atlanta. My passion for painting and my fellow classmates is on another level from where I was just a year ago. Professor Kent Knowles has helped me refine my work and has challenged me to push beyond my comfort zone. His critiques and guidance have really helped elevate my collection.
Going forward I will continue to tell the stories of the Black community. Beyond hair, I want to capture the figures, the people and the individuals who make our community special. The Black community in America is fighting to be recognized. We are fighting to be heard, and honestly fighting for our lives. As part of the Black Lives Matter movement, I painted “No Justice, No Peace.” We all need to speak up and make sure our voices are heard. This is how I can do that best.
