Behind the Mystical Works of LA-Based Artist Meagan Boyd

The one thing Meagan Boyd can't work without? "Poetry."

The LA-based artist, known for her ability to merge the sacred and earthly realms in her work, is one of our all-time favourite creatives – so you can imagine our excitement when she agreed to collaborate with us on a series of prints, based on the twelve signs of the zodiac.

As with all of Meagan's pieces, these works are a masterclass in colour and geometry, while mediating on ancient archetypes. Describing her style as “mythic and primitive while also being futuristic and deeply connected to a utopian vision for nature and humanity,” Meagan’s ethereal pieces speak to the collective unconscious.

Enchanting and dream-like, each time you look at these magical creations, you'll notice another detail that will spark your imagination. This, perhaps, is the beauty of Meagan's work.

To celebrate the launch of this collection, Meagan generously welcomed us into her studio, and we sat down with her to speak about her practice, inspiration, how she manages moments of self-doubt, and how she navigates her creative process while being a single parent.

Shop the Meagan Boyd x Meghan Rose x Bed Threads print collection here.

Tell us how your art relates to your sense of self.

I’ve definitely always been the person who dances to my own rhythm and I move through life in a way that pushes the boundary of the status quo. I’m a rebel at heart, but with a cause and a deep sense of purpose. I’m playful, tender, and romantic at times and I think that comes through in my work. I have my own way of doing things that I worked really hard to embrace about myself and I think most artists have to figure out their own unique way of expressing their vision which I think is really filtered through the lens of their unique personality.

How would you describe your style?

I would describe my art style as being mythic and primitive while also being futuristic and deeply connected to a utopian vision for nature and humanity. I work very intuitively and often don’t really draw on the canvas at all, I only use a roughly sketched reference and look at images a lot from books, often working from several different points of reference. I think those elements of my process come through in the finished pieces as well.

Talk us through your creative process. Where do you start?

I start with visionary meditation. I kind of look into myself to find the initial idea or vision to work with and build from there. Sometimes that involves sketching or reading or sometimes a flip through a book or Google image search.

After I get grounded in the idea for a piece, I start by priming the canvas and diving in as soon as that has dried. I work intuitively with all of the visual information I've gathered from my initial starting point and give myself more room to let it evolve in the paint. Usually, I think a painting is done, but I’ll need to sit with it for about a week before I can know for sure. There are always areas I want to change or elaborate once I've taken some space from a painting.

What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far?

I think it's been a challenge balancing being a single parent without consistent or reliable support from a second parent, but I think I might be someone who thrives in chaos. I don’t always enjoy this about myself. I wish it was easier, but against all odds, I have a very fulfilling career that lets me be myself even if who I am is so fundamentally different from most of society.

I think part of my purpose is showing people there are other ways of doing things and when you act from the heart space anything is possible! I love my daughter, and I love my work. I show up for them no matter what and they continue to guide and nourish me, in turn bringing in more prosperity, peace, and abundance. You get what you give and if you’re giving your all from a place of love, the gifts will be bountiful.

How do you handle creative blocks or moments of self-doubt?

I honestly think I broke through this threshold a few years back when it comes to my work. It helps to not compare myself to others, because I've noticed this seems to be one of my only triggers. I’ve developed a deep sense of trust in myself by simply doing the work!

I've surprised myself many times when I’ve encountered situations I thought seemed impossible and come out on the other side learning something. Finding out what we are capable of in times of strife is so empowering. Knowing who you are, and remembering who the hell you are in these times is so healing.

For more from Meagan, follow her @yinshadowz

Shop the Meagan Boyd x Meghan Rose x Bed Threads print collection

Photography by Laura Flippen