Meet 21-Year-Old Artist Mahala/Hala Preudhomme #PreudhommeArt

Meet Mahala/Hala Preudhomme (pronounced like “Hala at ya girl”), a 21-year-old Winston Salem, NC native, who moved to Los Angeles, CA to follow her dreams in the arts. Someone I’ve been following on social media for awhile, and have purchased a few paintings from as well. A young woman who begins creating by simply drinking some water, sometimes wine, playing a sound track, and “just going,” which requires a lot of focus. Almost like studying hard for an exam, but yet, relaxes her at the same time. 

What made you move from NC to LA?

Oooooo good question, essentially art. I wanted to be around more artist, creators, and likeminded people. However, if I’m being honest, I hated North Carolina. I was a city girl and didn’t even realize it.

How has art transformed your life? 

Art has changed everything in my life. My point of views, my goals, my lifestyle, my hobbies, my friends, and my priorities. Before I started drawing, all I did was party, party, and look for boys to party with.

Did you ever go to school for art? Or did it just come naturally?

I did attend a community college for a year. Not for art, but because my mother made me. I’m all self-taught.

Where do you want to take this?

I want to make a difference. Art is so important and has already taken me so far. I want to show people the importance and significance art has in the world. I believe everyone is a creator of some sort, they just gotta find the art inside of them.

How has the support been for you since losing most of your art supplies? What happened?

Ahhhhh man, losing my art supplies in the fire was tough. Long story short, it was a HOT day in California. 100 degrees plus. I was staying with my dad for a week & working in his office. My aunt and I left for 30 minutes and when we came back the entire office was on fire. They lost everything they had for my dad’s business, and so did I. Fortunately, I have a lot of support. My followers and customers donated 1,000 + into my Gofundme in the first week. I haven’t really been pushing donations anymore though. I now look at it as a blessing in disguise. I’ve been needing to reconstruct my whole business so it’s kind of given me a way to do that. Furthermore, the fire made me realize how everything you love can vanish in 2 seconds. Appreciate memories, not things.

What has been your favorite piece thus far? Why?

My “Erotic Art” series is my ultimate favorite. It’s sexy, fun, and controversial. People hate it, people love it, but I’m damn sure proud of it. The largest series I’ve ever done and my first series in black and white.

How do you know when a piece is finished?

This is so bad, and I’m working on it. But I know a piece is done once I’m over it. Once I’m absolutely over working on something it’s at the point of no return, because if I finish it when I don’t want to it will look like crap anyways, and if I don’t finish it, it’s unfinished anyways. I have no sense of patience.

How much does society play in the art/creative world? How important do you feel art is to society?

Art in society definitely corresponds with the environment. Los Angeles is full of people who create, purchase, and love art. North Carolina on the other hand, had such a small art scene people didn’t understand the importance of art.

What/Who inspires you?

Honestly and truly, my friends inspire me as of right now. All of my friends are in the arts, or graduating college this year, and HUSTLING. They’re all so supporting of my art, and passionate about my future …. it’s hard to stay unmotivated and uninspired with them. Jerry lately @artbyrizzo is a huge inspiration in my life. I aspire to be a lot like her. She makes great art and truly wants to help people. Along with that, my roommate/ best friend @oliviajonale is an actress. She literally works 24/7 never stops, and never gives up. Her work ethic is insane. People don’t realize how important your surroundings are, the people you allow in your life should be nothing less than who you inspire to be.

How has it been to see celebrities hold/receive your artwork? (The Real cast, Kevin Hart)

Celebrities holding and receiving artwork is definitely a surreal moment. Not because they’re whoever they are, but because they were once where you have been. So, it’s definitely a crazy feeling when someone who understands the struggle you’re going through tells you you’re talented and to never give up.

When was the moment you realized this is what you wanted to do?

When I started getting compliments for something other than the way I look.

Is there a medium you’ve yet to try but want to? 

Oil paints. I bought a set of oil paints that luckily were at my apartment when the fire happened and I have yet to touch them.

What has been the best artistic advice you’ve received, and how did you apply it to yourself?

My dad tells me all the time “the world is yours, your art can take you anywhere you want it to” he personally gives me the best advice when I’m stressed and want to give up. My auntie also tells me often how talented I am, means the world to me. They have been a huge influence in the business aspect of my company. They always tell me to relax and to keep pushing, everything’s temporary. This applies so much when it comes to the stress built in to owning your own business.

What made you want to do your latest series, MCM?

Honestly. There’s dope artist who make amazing paintings. But there’s so many dope, attractive, black males, I thought it would be so dope to see them painted, mix dopeness and attractiveness together I guess. Plus, I’m single and wanted to see some attractive guys in my apartment for a while. Jk jk.

What do you have planned next?

If I named all the things I wanted to do next you would fall asleep. But I am rebranding and rebuilding my company. Doing all the back-end stuff I’ve been too lazy to do. Plus, which I’m really excited about, I’m done taking in custom work and I’m devoting myself to only creating the things I want to create, when I want to create them. ❤️ Such as this.

Social Media:

Instagram: @preudhommeart

Twitter: @Preudhommeart/@HalaPreudhommeart

Website: http://halaart.bigcartel.com