Meet London Lavendar | Collage & Mixed Media Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with London Lavendar and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi London, we’d love to hear what makes you happy.
What makes me happy is feeling supported both in my personal life and in my art career. It is so inspiring and empowering to be surrounded by such powerful and successful women that see me and pour into me in ways that make me want to be better everyday. For a large part of my life, I spent so much time looking for love and community in the wrong people and places. Now, in this season of my life, I wake up hopeful and excited about the present and the future because of these women.
Ten years ago I became a mother to the most caring and funny little girl and my perspective on life changed forever. She became my biggest motivation, a source of happiness, and a daily reminder of the beauty of choosing love, purpose and presence.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a mixed media and collage artist whose work centers on Black femininity, specifically through the lens of beauty standards, personal and sexual freedom, and the cultural elements of Black Americana. My artistic style leans into simplicity and intimacy, allowing the subject to take up space and be seen for their full beauty and complexity. I’m especially interested in capturing softness, power, and vulnerability in a way that feels both personal and universal.

For a long time, I was afraid to step out and share my work. I didn’t see myself represented in the art world in the ways I wanted to, and that made it hard to imagine a place for my voice. It wasn’t until I connected with local artists here in Charlotte that I found the confidence to grow and begin showing my art. The creative community here is incredibly collaborative, generous, and inspiring and it gave me permission to take up space and explore my style on my own terms.

Some of my proudest moments have come not just from creating art, but from building community around it. I love collaborating with other local artists, hosting workshops, and creating spaces where people can connect through creativity. Being an artist for me isn’t just about what I make, but also about how I show up in the world, how I uplift others, and how I tell stories that haven’t always been centered.

The journey hasn’t been easy. Imposter syndrome, fear of visibility, and lack of representation were real barriers, but I’ve learned that showing up as your full self is the most radical and powerful thing you can do. If there’s one thing I want people to know about my art and my story, it’s that it’s rooted in truth, tenderness, and a deep love for the culture and community that raised me.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Coffee: Night Swim, Not Just Coffee
Pasteries: Villani’s Bakery, Amelies
Art/Culture: BLKMRKTCLT, Dupp&Swat, La Bodeguita
Chill afternoon: Freedom Park
Dinner: Barcelona Wine Bar, Supperland,
Sweet Treat: Jeni’s Ice Cream
Fast(ish) Food: Optimist Hall, Curry Gate
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Jordan Dollard
While many in Charlotte know her as a passionate small business advocate and community organizer, to me, she’s become so much more—a mentor, a friend, and one of my greatest cheerleaders in such a short time. Everyone deserves to have a JD in their corner.

Website: https://londonlavendar.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/londonlavendar/