It is well known that natural occurring phenomenon bound by the confines of nature exists within the scope of divinity and omnipotence. Nature is mystifying, powerful, yet fragile. It serves to inspire and enlighten; it helps grapple with mortality in a system of reciprocity rooted in life and death — the circle of life.

Laguna Beach based artist, Mikayla Gierut explores natural oceanic and seaside geographical theme using epoxy resin. It is a direct nod to her coastal upbringing and environmental science background. She creates one of a kind cheeseboards using renewable materials such as ethically sourced wood, diverting almost all studio waste from the landfills via reutilization, and using a non-toxic, no VOC, natural based/food safe resin. Please read our exclusive interview below to learn more about Mikayla Gierut and her art.

Where are you based?
Laguna Beach, California

Much of your brand's aesthetic confounds themes of California surf with geo/oceanic sciences. How did your upbringing in Southern Orange County influence your creative expression?
My family is very outdoorsy, especially my father. When we were young, he would take us on mountain bike rides through the park, lots of hikes, and even camped here and there along the coast. It was during this time that I built this appreciation and love for this beautiful coastal environment we called home.

Laguna Beach is also an artist town, which I consider myself extremely lucky to have become a part of. As a kid, I remember going to the Sawdust Festival — a famous art festival held by Laguna Beach artists during the summer months with my family. Each year, we would return to our favorite artists’ booths, and I had begun building this amazing relationship with the artist community at a very young age.

Your canvases vary from cheeseboards, coasters, surfboards, etc. How did you begin your canvases curation process? Are your decisions a result of your hobbies?
Yes! I love to entertain with friends, and that’s how the original idea of doing resin art on cheeseboards and coasters was born! My boyfriend of nine years is also a huge surfer, and resin is actually the material surfboards are primarily made with, so naturally I decided to give that a shot too! Resin flows like a liquid once poured, so you have to use a canvas that is hard to avoid pooling. As a result, I love getting creative with its application, and I am constantly brainstorming up new ways to apply it!

Your behind the scenes instagram videos of your work in progress are satisfying. Seeing a project at its start and the final result can be mesmerizing and relaxing. Is the creative process a cathartic means of expression?
Totally… There is something about the fluid property that forces me to lose control of the idea of being “perfect” and just let it flow where it wants to go. I would consider myself as having a Type A personality, but resin art has definitely taught me to gain a little more patience and accept that all mistakes can be made into something more beautiful down the road.

With your background studying Environmental Sciences in college, do you feel you consciously incorporate aspects of the sciences into your artwork? If so, why is it important that these are essential components of your work?
Upon first opening the business, I knew I wanted to incorporate my background in environmental science into the business in some shape or form besides creating artworks inspired by our surroundings. As a result, I knew it was my duty to not only reflect the beauty and my passion for the environment into my work, but also apply sustainability practices as a core value throughout my process. I was lucky enough to be a part of extensive research studies addressing climate change and the waste crises throughout my college experience, so having the experience with the statistics motivated me even more to push for change seen in our communities.

Your conscientiousness towards the environment is prominent in your tools of trade. You reuse all materials and scraps, in addition to using a natural based Resin (made from eggshells and soybean casings). Can you expand on the procedures you adopt to ensure sustainability? Why is it important that you take these measures?
Besides using this amazing bio-based resin, I also chose to conquer waste reduction within my studio through the reutilization and rejuvenation of resin scraps. Sometimes I will create entirely new artworks out of these scraps, which I love to do, as it allows me to use my creativity in a different way! I have also created fun new products out of these scraps in the past as well, including gift tags, bottle openers, and cheese markers. I like to have fun by experimenting with new ideas while showing my followers that the possibilities are endless when it comes to diverting waste from landfills.

Producing artwork can be a very wasteful process, and it takes a lot of trial and error to develop the final product. It is therefore 100% necessary that I take these kinds of measures while encouraging others to do the same within their workspace.

Global warming is still an issue. With everything going on, it has been pushed out of the limelight. How would you like us to still be discussing it?
I think that the best place to start in addressing the influence we have on the environment and global warming is by first evaluating where we can reduce our overall waste. It all starts by taking simple, small steps, and channeling your inner creativity. I actually find it to be super fun to brainstorm with others in my community on ways they have successfully adopted sustainable principles. As a result, I am not only building towards a more sustainable lifestyle, but I am also sparking conversation with others to take action and hold each other accountable.

As an artist and small business owner, how has the COVID-19 quarantine impacted your business and life?
Truth be told, I actually didn’t have an online “storefront” until COVID happened. It was always on my To-Do list, but I just never got around to doing it. My main focus before COVID was doing pop up events in local communities, which I loved because I was able to build relationships with my regular clients. However, when all events were forced to close down in March due to social distancing restrictions, I had no choice but to pivot towards finally putting in the backend work in optimizing my website to allow for online sales.

It was HARD. Who knew that shipping was so difficult and costly? Additionally, my boyfriend, who is also my business partner and the pro when it comes to sales, was working overtime on the frontlines, as he is an EMT. I was so lost without his help, and all the extra considerations that went into running a business online was a whole new language for me.

However, this unwelcome change was honestly the best thing that has ever happened for me and my business. After redeveloping my whole business model, my sales SKYROCKETED. My once “little shop” had suddenly bloomed into a full-fledged online boutique by April. I was selling out in 20 minutes after posting a new collection and booked custom art commissions that would travel across the world!

Social responsibility has been an integral component of your business. You give back to different foundations every month. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, you are providing support to "Protect Our Providers." Can you talk about the importance of giving back and why this cause is special for you?
Like I mentioned, my boyfriend is a frontline worker, as well as my Mother who is a Surgeon. When COVID first came about, it was a very scary time. There was a point where they both questioned whether or not they should even come home from their arduous shifts in fear that they had been exposed and the potential danger it imposed to our family. I knew other families faced the same fears, and what made matters worse is that these dedicated frontline workers were running extremely short on protective equipment. I decided to take action by first reaching out to “Protect our Providers” and meeting this demand for PPE (personal protective equipment) to give these heroes and their families a sense of security during such scary times.

For May and June, you have been giving back to Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County. Can you tell us why you decided on this organization?
By May, it was brought to my attention that Food banks and local pantries had begun struggling to sustain the ever-growing food insecurity caused by COVID. It angered me to learn that there are billions of dollars of food and produce sitting in stockpiles that were once planned to be distributed towards the restaurant industry. However, now that many storefronts are closed or met with far lower demand, products are being simply discarded or dumped without any regard for the increasing demand seen in Food Banks nationwide. As a result, I will be contributing a portion of my proceeds this month towards a local initiative called “Second Harvest Food Bank” in Orange county to try to alleviate some pressure seen in my community.

We also hear that you will be donating 10% of proceeds of your next collection, coming out this month, to The Loyola Project for The Innocent. First, can you tell us about your new collection? Second, can you tell us why you choose to support The Loyola Project for The Innocent?
Throughout the Month of June, I will now be shifting my focus toward contributing a portion of my proceeds towards Loyola Law School’s Project for the innocent located in downtown Los Angeles to address my support for the criminal justice reform that was brought to light regarding the BLM Movement. This project is dedicated to the exoneration of the wrongfully convicted with the law school students at the heart and soul of the movement — providing invaluable exposure to a new generation of law professionals on the ways we can protect those who need a voice.

This project especially hits home as my sister, who is a law student at Loyola, has seen first hand how crucial a role this program plays.

Please see the link below for more information on the subject: https://www.lls.edu/academics/experientiallearning/clinics/projectfortheinnocent/

What helps you decide on what organizations to give back to?
I try to focus on staying current with relevant causes by doing my research and educating myself on the proper action to take before anything. I most commonly like supporting grassroots foundations that are local to my area, or the area affected, considering they are usually much more transparent with where the donations are being applied. As a result, I am not only able to make a bigger difference with my contributions, but I am also able to build an everlasting relationship with the organization.

How are you staying positive during everything that is going on?
I like to create goals at the beginning of the week and smaller goals each day. By sticking to these goals and checking each one off the list, I am able to tell myself that I was able to achieve something positive each day!

Another approach I have taken during this time to stay positive is checking in with my family and friends. It is only our natural instinct to remain connected to our community, and even though we still need to maintain a social distance, a simple phone call makes all the difference in someone’s day.

What is your motto in life?
Great things are done by a series of small things brought together. Love what you do, and do what you love!

To learn more about Mikayla Gierut and her art please follow her via the following platforms:
Website: www.kaylaraeresin.com
Instagram: @kaylaraeresin

KaylaRae Resin Designs: Coast Conscious Art