From bold patterns on an Arrow McLaren SP IndyCar to vibrant murals in St. Pete’s Warehouse Arts District, Ya La’ford’s art is both visually striking and instantly recognizable. Her signature style—vibrant colors, bold lines and geometric shapes—appears on surfaces worldwide, from public spaces to high-profile collaborations. Yet, beyond her unique aesthetic, La’ford’s work serves a deeper mission: to act as a bridge that connects cultures, histories and experiences.
La’ford’s artistic journey began long before she ever picked up a paintbrush. A first-generation American with Jamaican roots, creativity was woven into the fabric of her upbringing. Her grandfather, an influential figure in the arts, her uncle, a musician with the band Third World, and her godfather, who infused cultural storytelling into his music, all played key roles in shaping her artistic path. These family influences laid the foundation, and her travels expanded her worldview, further fueling her passion for art.
“As I explored different cultures and environments, I discovered that, despite our diverse backgrounds, we’re not so different after all,” La’ford says. “I realized art would become my life’s work when I understood its power to transform and connect.”
This belief is evident in her approach to art, where she’s not confined to a single medium. Painting, sculpture, sound, print and video all serve as her canvas. Each medium offers unique possibilities, from the dynamic movement she captures in her murals to the immersive experiences of her multimedia installations. This versatility allows her to connect with a broader audience, conveying her message beyond language. Still, painting remains her true passion.
“There’s something profoundly intimate about the act of painting—the way color, brushstroke and texture evoke emotion and tell a story,” she says.
Symbolism is also central to her work. The geometric shapes La’ford uses—circles, triangles and spirals—are more than mere design elements. They represent unity, change and growth. Each line and curve invites viewers to explore deeper meanings, echoing the universal languages spoken by sacred sites and ancient monuments.
La’ford views public art as a powerful tool for connection. Her intricate mazes and geometric patterns seen across the Tampa Bay area are a testament to her belief in art’s ability to inspire change and elevate community pride.
“[Art] can provide opportunities for reflection and engagement, inviting people to interact with their surroundings in meaningful ways,” she said.
Her advice to emerging artists reflects this ethos.
“Use [your] work as a bridge between cultures and communities. Find your truest passion and your unique voice, then let that voice resonate. Trust in the power of goodness—when you plant it everywhere, it will flourish,” she says. “Your art has the potential to connect people, inspire change and foster understanding.”
Beyond Tampa Bay, La’ford’s art has been exhibited across the United States—from California to the eastern seaboard—and internationally, from Europe and Africa to South America and Asia. Her brand collaborations are equally impressive. She was a featured artist at the 2021 Super Bowl and her work has been collected by the Tampa Bay Rays, Toronto Blue Jays and Nike.
“It’s been a pleasure watching Ya’s work grow in scale and ambition over the past eight years,” says Joanna Robotham, the Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Tampa Museum of Art. “She is deeply connected to our community and as a community, we are tremendously proud of her.”
A defining moment in La’ford’s career came when she represented the U.S. at the Dakar Biennale in Senegal this past November, hosted by the U.S. Embassy. Soon, she’ll embark on an artist residency with the Urban League in Ghana.
Closer to home, La’ford is currently presenting her largest solo exhibition yet, “Survey the West: A Cross-Continental Reflection,” at The James Museum.
Looking ahead, the wife, mother of two and pet parent to a variety of animals envisions even more dynamic installations—possibly incorporating rare metals, gems and technologies like augmented and virtual reality.
“I’m genuinely excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and how my art can play a pivotal role in addressing global challenges while helping individuals discover their unique stories,” she says.
Beyond the legacy she’s building, La’ford is equally invested in empowering others.
“The way these children grow and contribute to humanity will be the most significant artwork I leave behind,” she said. “By nurturing their potential and encouraging their dreams, I hope to inspire a ripple effect of positive change that extends beyond my own work.”
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