Lyss, an innovative artist who identifies with the pronouns they/them, has been making waves in the art world with their unique blend of nostalgia and pop culture. With a focus on pop art, Lyss utilizes hand-cut and painted wood, coated in resin, and highlighted by LED lighting elements to create visually striking pieces that evoke warm childhood memories.
Their works often intertwine various genres, showcasing a playful spirit infused with humor. One piece, titled “ASTRO X WOODY,” merges Woody from “Toy Story” with the recognizable face of the iconic comic character Astro Boy. In another creation called “PATRICK X BUU,” the beloved Sponge Bob character Patrick Star is depicted dressed in the attire of Majin Buu from the legendary anime series “Dragon Ball Z.” These artworks are not just visually stimulating; they are interactive, nostalgic, and increasingly driven by technology.
Lyss draws inspiration from their experiences and memories rooted in American media, stating, “I’m inspired by anything that feels nostalgic and inherently American media. It’s universal — everybody knows it, pinpoints it and can connect with it.”
A significant core of Lyss’s art comes from their deep love for their late mother, who was also an artist. This bond inspired Lyss to pursue art from a young age. “I’ve been drawing my whole life,” they shared, reminiscing about doodling in class, believing that it was something everyone could do, just as their mother had shown them.
Growing up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Lyss watched their mother airbrush popular cartoons onto T-shirts, featuring characters from franchises like “Super Mario Bros.” and “The Simpsons.” This exposure greatly impacted Lyss, spurring a desire to emulate their mother but in their own unique style. They mentioned, “I think that actually really influenced me because I wanted to be like her, but do it my own way. Sometimes, I do still use her air compressor.”
In the wake of their mother’s unexpected passing in August 2024, the connection through art has grown even more significant for Lyss. At that time, they were engrossed in creating a series of balloon sculptures and had recently acquired a Mylar balloon inscribed with the words, “You’re so special,” a phrase that resonated deeply as it was often spoken by their mother. This balloon now rests, deflated, yet proudly displayed on their fridge.
Lyss’s artwork not only evokes nostalgia but also incorporates tangible elements that engage with the viewer’s senses. For instance, their sculptural balloons feature strings similar to those found on ordinary helium balloons, an intentional choice highlighting the sensory experiences tied to childhood memories. “With my balloons, I could have just done a balloon with a straight balloon and resin, but [I enjoy] giving you something to feel, too, like the string; things that are movable,” Lyss explained.
On pieces equipped with LED lighting, the artist appreciates how owners can customize the ambiance by altering the backlight hues. They encourage creativity within spaces, stating, “There’s more to your space than the walls,” reflecting in their home decor and accessories. Their personal space showcases a massive traffic light with a basketball-turned-planter on top, alongside Be@rbrick sculptures, a box of KAWS-themed Reese’s Puffs cereal preserved in an acrylic display, and oversized LEGO bricks adorning a table. A “Mortal Kombat” arcade game is positioned just inside the front door, pairing with a vintage Gameboy and an assortment of collectible zines around the corner.
Lyss passionately believes in filling spaces with joy, asserting, “Those little things, I don’t know, they make you happy. Every part of your home should make you feel something. I want to make things that you could look at in every corner and see something that brings you comfort.”
Before moving to Atlanta in 2017, Lyss pursued an IT degree at Broward College, still in metro Miami. However, the program failed to ignite their passion, leading them to withdraw from classes. “Something was missing,” they recalled. “One day I just decided to paint and just do it. It made me feel better — and whole — so I just kept doing it daily.”
Initially, Lyss had a minimal social media presence outside of a Tumblr account used to document their artistic journey. They were surprised when Complex magazine featured one of their artworks on Instagram, garnering a considerable response. “It got a lot of feedback and comments,” they said, highlighting that this served as a validation for their art. This experience propelled Lyss to become more active on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, allowing their work to reach wider audiences.
Relocating from Fort Lauderdale to Atlanta, Lyss felt a stronger cultural connection to their new surroundings. For the first two summers in Atlanta, they showcased their canvas works and prints on the sidewalks of Little Five Points, passionately saying, “Just out here trying every day. I was just painting and showing it to people. They connected with it.”
Art has become a central means for Lyss to forge connections with others. Despite their preference for privacy, they admitted with a chuckle, “I like to be private and just keep to myself. I don’t take photos. I don’t do all that extra stuff. I wasn’t on the Internet before I was making art, and it’s not about me at all.”
By maintaining anonymity in their online persona, Lyss directs focus solely on the artwork, stating, “The way that I present myself on the Internet, it forces people to think only about the art. I’m showing the best part of me — what I’m doing, what I can create and put out into the world. I’ll be personal through that.”
Over the years, Lyss has cultivated a vibrant community within Atlanta’s art scene, reflecting on their gratitude for the connections formed through art. “I am so grateful for art for giving me a family here,” they expressed. Lyss now regularly attends art openings and events with a close-knit group of friends, further embedding themselves in the local artistic community.
At the core of Lyss’s artistic journey lies a desire to uplift others and honor their mother’s legacy. “I put smiles on faces,” they affirmed. “I’m doing my part. I don’t feel like the sad parts of being a human have to be part of the connection to other people. Mine is a curated connection.”
In summary, Lyss exemplifies a unique convergence of personal history, nostalgia, and creative expression, continuously bridging the gap between art and audience, and honoring their mother’s artistry through their imaginative and playful works.
image source from：ajc
