Introducing Macie Menard
Macie Menard is a mixed media artist born and raised in Lafayette, LA. Their creative journey has taught them the importance of flowing in creativity as opposed to forcing creation. They find inspiration in nature, travel, movement, life experience, and (most importantly) their intuition. In their time as a graphic designer, they felt their creative flame was smothered by deadlines. Having to work within the confines of branding and marketing strategies dampened their creative inspiration. In an effort to rekindle their creative flame, they put the laptop aside and dove into the art of analog collage. After some time, they started an Instagram account in 2020 under the artist name Kid Cuti. They continue to explore making art with found materials and embracing being a slow maker.
Who makes up your art circle?
The most significant part of my art circle is my life partner Josh Menard. I have immense gratitude for the way he supports me every day especially during the ups and downs of my own creative waves of emotions. Watching him pursue his artistic journey with passion and dedication motivates me to express myself and explore new ideas. Through him, I am constantly surrounded by incredibly talented musicians and artists that I have come to consider family. I wouldn’t be able to list everyone, but, Gino V., Madeline Magnon, Kent Beatty, Zach Edwards, Ian Willis, Ray Boudreaux, Anew Jones, Travis Leblanc and Myron Saul (Lucid Dreams), to name a few.
I am also inspired by local artists: Olivia Perillo, Ben Koch, LouSea (Wild Fox Medicine), Shelbie Funderburk (Sister Freetown), Syd Horn, Raven Bourgeois (Art That Transforms), Jack Budd, Elizabeth McNabb, Lucia Moon, Evan Koch, Hannah Gilley, Sara Ray, Sam Wróbel (Sparrow Papercraft), Jack Morrison, Cayla Zeek, John-David Mahoney, Free6ase, Alex Lemoine (Rise Words), and Roz LeCompte. Thank you for sharing your art.
How do you expand your art circle?
Go out into the world without the expectation of meeting people. GO SEE LOCAL BANDS. Go to the galleries. Walk the streets during Art Walk and start up a conversation with the artists. Be a kind human and be true to yourself. In time, you may awaken to a profound sense of gratitude for the wonderful individuals who surround you. Also, don’t underestimate the genuine relationships which can be formed through social media.
What value do you see in having a creative community?
A creative community provides the unique value of understanding and validation. It’s comforting to be surrounded by people who truly “get it”
—those who acknowledge your emotions and experiences. At the same time, they offer grounding support, gently reminding you to stay rooted in reality when your thoughts begin to wander too far.
How does your artistic approach contribute to your community?
I find comfort in believing that I’m a vessel open to being used by a greater source. Intuition is my guide. When it comes to contributing to the community, my eyes, ears and heart are open. I truly believe opportunities to contribute present themselves and we have the choice to take them on if it feels right within our soul. I also believe if something is needed to be made or created, the idea will float around until an individual grabs hold of it.
Our weekly Art Circle series profiles artists throughout the community and is sponsored in part by Lafayette Visitor Enterprise Fund managed by Lafayette Travel
