Interview
Laela Duncan
A largely self-taught painter, Laela Duncan is a polymath - an actor, singer-songwriter, dancer, model, poet, aspiring author and co-founder of Legacy ARTwear based in Los Angeles, California. As an actor, Laela brings a natural, relatable energy to her roles, often cast as the ‘crush’, ‘supportive friend’ or ‘professional’ in MacDonald’s & Pepsi commercials, La La Land (2016), Bones and this year, in Baywatch. Laela is a multi-faceted artiste recognized for her commanding screen and stage presence and “soulful, empathetic storytelling”. As a former Sony Music singer-songwriter, Laela opened for John Legend, graced the stage as a guest artiste with the Vienna Opera Orchestra and held a No.1 spot for her single in Bangkok’s International Hit Music Radio Station.
Laela brings her romantic blend of bossa nova-jazz standards as she returns to the mic after a hiatus with a commanding 5-language repertoire; creating a unique, timeless ambience that bridges classic international sophistication with heartfelt performances together with talented musicians in her new LA-based music group, C’est Si Bon Ensemble. Laela loves dancing! Inspired at a young age by her grandmother who loves to chacha, Laela trained belly dance with the Los Angeles-based legendary Greek belly dancer and director, Angela Buttrey. Whether it’s a seductive solo or high-energy troupe performance, she dances to bring joy (and a lot of hair flips) to the floor. Laela is dedicated to creating a safe space for feminine expression and joy. With a focus on emotional storytelling and musical interpretation, she empowers her audience to celebrate their own uniqueness and inner strength. Through mesmerizing shimmies and fluid movements, Laela reminds us all that dance is a powerful act of self-love and liberation. Laela is excited to share her love of the arts, performance and athletic background to new projects with focus on film/TV and theatre. And, her much-awaited new book this summer! The painting below :Devine Design” is in Beyond Baroque Venice's silent auction(s) this spring-summer.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I come from a diverse global heritage, shaped by a creative, loving and disciplined environment. My artistic journey is anchored in profound childhood moments of both challenges and pure, joyful expression. From the vulnerability of a stage performance at eight to the transformative spark of artistic discovery at ten (thanks, Grandma), these pivotal experiences forged a deep, heartfelt connection to creativity, ensuring my art is a resilient reflection of personal history, emotional honesty, and our collective and enduring quest for what we all strive for - authentic connections.”
What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?
“My art aims to express an energetic force birth from worldly awe, resilient empowerment and sensuous joy. My art remains neutral - unless one views it otherwise - and stir away from social or political issues. Please be the judge for my upcoming book in the summer! Would you like to collaborate with me on a book launch? We can infuse some with live music and an art exhibition!”
Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?
“My creative process is like the sea - deep, vast, mysterious - or an infinite boat ride - floating or speeding through unpredictable waters, adventure-filled, dangerously sensual.”
Are there any art world trends you are following?
“A little bit of everything!”
What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your artwork?
“When painting, my process is fluid - from glimpses of fascination as simple as a fallen leaf from a maple tree - or from stills of frozen moments in time. My discipline consist of using impasto for dimension, ‘fat over lean’ method to prevent cracking, alla prima, scraffito and more.”
What does your art mean to you?
“Art is the heartbeat of my existence, serving as a living diary that weaves together my past, present, and vision for a shared future. I love contributing to the world with my creations! My hope is to turn my personal expression and history into meaningful connections that not only empowers but heals the world.”
What’s your favourite artwork and why?
“The Birth of Venus (c. 1484–1486), a masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance by Sandro Botticelli. When I was a little girl, I was once obsessed with classical Greek and Roman myths! Secondly, I admire the concept of Humanitas, or a fusion of spiritual love and physical matter. Lastly, her power to fascinate and delight despite her anatomical imbalances.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“Spectrum Gestalt, a group exhibition held last summer (2025) at the lovely bG Gallery in the internationally-renowned arts complex, Bergamot Station, in Santa Monica, California. Thank you again so much for taking this time to get to know me. Please join me in my creative adventures and follow me on my socials!”
Website: laeladuncan.com
Instagram: @laela.duncan.arts
