When you look at Elayna Losey’s artwork, she hopes you don’t just see her—you see yourself.
For this LC senior, art has never been about recognition or perfection. It’s about connection. From drawing and painting to working with oil pastels, Losey uses her creativity to tell stories that go beyond the canvas and reach the people viewing it.
“I’ve always made art, and I just love it,” she said. Rather than pointing to a single inspiration, Losey looks to the world around her. Her ideas come from the people and experiences that matter most—friends, family, faith, and even sports.
That personal connection is what drives her work.
“I hope people see themselves in my artwork,” Losey explained. “I think many people struggle to understand others, and I want my art to remind them that the person on the other side of the canvas is just like them.”
One of her most meaningful projects reflects that idea perfectly. A recent series of paintings featuring her friends stands out as her favorite, not because of technical skill, but because of what it represents: the relationships that shape her life.
Her journey hasn’t been without challenges. Like many student artists, Losey has faced limitations when it comes to materials, noting that art supplies can be expensive and not always readily available. Still, she continues to create, proving that passion matters more than perfect conditions.
While she doesn’t plan to pursue art as a full-time career, Losey still sees it as an important part of her future. She hopes to minor in art and believes strongly in the value of creativity as a gift.
“If God gives you that gift, there’s a reason for it,” she said.
For Losey, art isn’t about fitting into a specific category or meeting expectations. It’s about authenticity—and encouraging others to embrace it as well.
“Any art is good art,” she said. “Do what makes you happy, even if it doesn’t fit the typical idea of art.”
In the end, her work does exactly what she hopes it will: it creates a moment of connection, reminding viewers that no matter how different they may seem, there is always something shared just beneath the surface.
