About Kayla (she/her)

Kayla Bynum Coates is a queer artist from North Carolina. Her journey to becoming an artist has been anything but traditional, marked by twists, turns, and a rediscovery of self.

Growing up, she would occasionally doodle and paint, but her formal art education ended in elementary school. Despite this, the creative spark within her never fully extinguished.

For almost seven years, Kayla worked as a flight attendant for a major US commercial airline, but in 2020 Kayla was furloughed and found herself at a crossroads with the sudden loss of her job. It was during this time of uncertainty that she turned to art, making it a consistent part of her life. She began exploring different mediums, experimenting, and finding solace in creativity.

December 2022 was a turning point for Kayla when she enrolled in online art classes taught by Sari Shryack of Not Sorry Art. These classes ignited her passion for painting, and she hasn’t looked back since. Now, Kayla is strictly a traditional representational painter, using acrylics to bring vibrant, full-color creations to life.

Kayla’s work is deeply influenced by her experiences and perspectives as a bisexual woman with autism and ADHD. Through her art, she strives to portray the human experience, celebrating diversity and the beauty of our unique journeys. Each piece is a reflection of Kayla’s identity, her struggles, and her triumphs, woven together with a spectrum of colors and emotions.

Join Kayla Bynum Coates on this colorful journey as she continues to explore and express the world around her through her paintings.