Ya La’ford (b. 1979, Bronx, NY) is an interdisciplinary artist, educator, and creative force known for her immersive works that bridge geometry, symbolism, and community narratives. Her practice spans painting, sculpture, installation, video, and sound, creating layered experiences exploring human connection and transformation complexities. La’ford holds a Master of Fine Arts in Interdisciplinary Arts from The Art Institute of Boston and a Juris Doctor from the University of Florida’s Levin College of Law. As a first-generation American of Jamaican descent, she draws upon her heritage and experiences to inform her art, using it as a universal language to inspire and mobilize communities. Her work is featured in the permanent collections of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Vinik Family Foundation, and Nike. Notable exhibitions include the Tampa Museum of Art, the Orlando Museum of Art, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, and participation in the Venice Biennale Activation Projects. In 2025, La’ford presented her largest solo exhibition to date, Survey the West: A Cross-Continental Reflection, at The James Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida. Her recent accolades include a feature on CBS Saturday Morning in May 2025 and gracing the cover of Tampa Bay Magazine in the same month. Artist Statement:My artistic practice is a journey through the metaphysical landscapes of space, time, and memory. I employ geometric patterns and symbolic language to map the intricate pathways of human experience, aiming to create works that resonate on both personal and collective levels. Through a diverse range of media, I explore the intersections of culture, identity, and community. My installations and public artworks are not just visual experiences but invitations for communal engagement and reflection. Art, for me, is a conduit for transformation—a means to challenge perceptions, inspire dialogue, and foster connections across diverse audiences. By weaving together elements of my heritage, legal background, and artistic vision, I strive to create spaces where art becomes a catalyst for social change and personal introspection.