My name is Laishan Ito, I am an artist based in Los Angeles, California. I started my career as an scientific illustrator and did illustrations for research publications at UC Riverside, California Entomology Department, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, and William S. Hart Museum. My passion was to be a graphic designer. I pursued my dream and received my bachelor of Fine Arts degree at Art Center College of Design. 

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Throughout the years, I gained experience as a senior graphic designer and a freelance design consultant. In 2018, it was a pivotal point in my career, I started my first public art commission. I stepped outside of my comfort zone and painted a mural on a utility box. I have always been intrigued by how public art makes a great impact in urban landscape and brings the community together. Since then, I took on more municipal projects in different cities to install art in public places. These projects have taught me so much on how to use acrylic paint on different surfaces, which led me back to painting on canvas. Nature has been a strong influence in my work. I like to use bold shapes, colors, and typography to express my vision. I strive to create art in a meaningful way to provoke positive change.

 

In November 2022, I woke up from a minor medical procedure to find out that I have stage 4 colon cancer. With no time to hesitate, I had surgeries and began rounds of chemotherapy treatments soon after. I truly appreciate the medical teams who took care of me and gave me a fighting chance against cancer. In these hard times, I turn to art. During my chemo sessions I immersed myself in doodling or coloring, which helped me release stress, anxiety, and ease the pain. Love and support from my friends and family have given me hope and strength to fight this battle. Art gives me the healing power and made my cancer journey much more bearable. Life is just too short not to do what you love!

 

I am so grateful for the public art projects that I have participated in. They give me such fulfillment and a sense of purpose as an artist. You may find some of my utility box art in Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Century City, Burbank, Glendale, Temple City, El Monte, Arcadia, Duarte, Azusa, and Rancho Cucamonga. Until then, I will continue to paint, continue to create.

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