Featured • LaRae Fifer

A painter and illustrator from the U.S., LaRae Fifer’s art carries myth and tenderness in every brushstroke. Symbolic storytelling blends sensitivity and philosophical thought, creating pieces that provoke emotion and reflection in equal measure.

Artistry is in LaRae’s DNA, and it’s seen as almost a birthright, if not even a duty. “Artistry runs in my family,” the artist says. The intricate and dynamic designs are a mark of authenticity, almost defining the artist.

Rich in imaginative elements, the sketches are nothing short of detailed. The main pursuit and creative endeavor is to tell a story, which for some artists is a result of the creative process, but for LaRae it’s the main purpose.

The author tells layered stories rich in empathy, mythology, and gentle symbolism. Depiction of animals in LaRae’s art is a nod to the richness and harmony of the natural world. In their own words: “It’s good to be cautious and consider the qualities of things that make you uncomfortable, with curiosity rather than fear.”

Read our “Tenderness” issue in full

In this debut issue, 16 artists from around the world took part in an editorial experiment where the theme emerged organically from the submitted artworks, shaped by what they had in common, and not predefined by editors.