Visual Artist- Mr. Keshida Layone

By Staff

Mr. Keshida Layone is a Philadelphia-based visual artist whose work moves fluidly between memory, imagination, and emotional truth. Though raised in Long Island, New York, Layone has spent the past decade cultivating a deeply rooted creative life in Philadelphia—one shaped by nature, community, and an intuitive spiritual connection to the world around him. His art invites viewers into moments of reflection and release, offering space to pause, feel, and momentarily step beyond reality into a realm of color, healing, and possibility.

How has growing up and creating in Philadelphia shaped your artistic voice, and in what ways does the city continue to show up in your work today?
I grew up in Long Island, New York, but I moved to Philadelphia about ten years ago. I’ve always seen Philly as a living, vibrant, and colorful city. Its rich history and community of incredibly gifted Black creatives were inviting, and I wanted to be part of that energy. From day one, I’ve been embraced by curators and art lovers here. I’m deeply inspired by Philadelphia’s nature—the parks, the seasons, the way the city transforms—and as the seasons change, I often find myself changing creatively right along with them.

Your art often feels deeply personal yet widely relatable—what inner conversations or life experiences most often spark the ideas behind your creations?
I started painting more than twenty-five years ago as a way to process life experiences and escape when I needed refuge. I became more intentional about my practice when I founded my company, Breathe Art, ten years ago. Painting has always been a safe place for me. I try to invite the viewer on a visual journey—one that moves from reality into fantasy—allowing them to play, reflect, and breathe alongside me, even if just for a few minutes.

Heart & Soul is rooted in reflection and purpose; how does spirituality, emotional healing, or inner balance influence your creative process?
Every brushstroke I make carries my heart and soul, so this question deeply resonates with me. I’ve been a spiritual person since childhood, always connected to the sun, water, and grass. I’ve dreamed in color for as long as I can remember. I feel energy and positivity through the elements of life itself. Through self-discovery, time in nature, and hours upon hours of painting and writing, I’ve worked through loneliness, desire, acceptance, and trauma. If you trust the process, creativity has a way of revealing what you’re truly made of.

When you begin a new piece, do you start with a clear intention or allow the work to evolve intuitively as you create?
It’s a bit of both. Sometimes I’ll be driving and a visual suddenly comes to mind. Other times, a title appears before any image does. I love to doodle and take notes—capturing those early sparks—and I revisit them later, almost like homework. My mind often circles back, urging me to complete those first thoughts when the time feels right.

Many artists speak about art as a form of therapy or release—how has your work supported your own growth, healing, or self-discovery?
In many ways, my art has helped heal childhood trauma, particularly growing up without a father. I’ve painted images of sons, fathers, and strong men who embody what a father figure can be. That process was deeply healing for me. It helped me understand that not all fathers disappear—many stay, nurture, and recognize that parenting is lifelong. Creating those images gave me courage and reframed my understanding of masculinity and presence.

What themes or messages do you hope viewers walk away with after spending time with your work?
I hope viewers become gentler and more observant of nature, more patient with abstraction, and more open to clarity around mental health awareness. Above all, I want people to feel love for the African Diaspora—to recognize our unbelievable strength, beauty, and resilience.

As an artist navigating both creativity and visibility, how do you stay grounded and protect your peace while sharing such vulnerable expressions with the world?
For me, creativity and visibility aren’t separate—they exist as one. No matter where I go, I’m always a creative. My goal is to spread creativity through visibility, because I’ve found that people are happier when they’re allowed to express their true, authentic selves. Staying grounded comes from honoring that truth.

Looking ahead, how do you envision your art evolving, and what legacy do you hope your work will leave within the community and beyond?
I envision my art living long beyond me. I hope it sparks timeless conversations—about caring for the Earth, reaching out to loved ones, and pausing long enough to truly feel life. If someone sees my work and feels compelled to call someone they love or reflect on their own journey, then I’ve done my job. I would love to see my art in office lobbies, hospital hallways, dining rooms, and community spaces. I want my work to be obtainable, not unreachable. Art is an investment, but it should also be something people can live with, love, and experience in their own homes—not just online or in museums.