Meet Presa Hall

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Presa Hall a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Presa, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

My journey to finding my purpose in art began when I was just a child, growing up in my family home. My sister, who is 13 years older than me, was an artist herself, and I remember being completely mesmerized whenever she would bring her school art projects home. I was so young at the time, but I wanted to be close to her, to understand what she was doing. In order to keep me busy while she worked, she would give me art supplies of my own, and that’s when it all began. I found an incredible sense of solace in art at such a young age. It became my outlet, a space where I could feel completely connected to the moment, and it’s where I turned during difficult times.
Art helped me heal from childhood trauma. When I look back, I see how essential those early moments of creating were for my sense of peace during tough times. As I grew older, I realized that my art had the potential to do more than just heal me—it could bring solace to others as well. I remember being commissioned when I was 12 or 13 to draw a portrait of a young girl I had never met, for her funeral. It was one of the most emotionally challenging pieces I had ever done, but when I gave it to the family and saw the love and appreciation in their eyes, I understood the profound impact art could have. It was a beautiful yet difficult moment, but it solidified in me the knowledge that my art could offer people comfort and connection in times of need.
In college, I took a break from visual art to focus on music and other forms of creative expression. I became obsessed with exploring new mediums, always seeking to learn and evolve my techniques. But when I returned to painting, I knew that I wanted to go bigger—not just in terms of the size of my work but in the impact I could make. I began to pursue murals because I wanted my art to reach a wider audience, to tell stories that resonate with people from all walks of life. One of the most pivotal moments in my career was when I painted my mural in Wynwood, Miami, for Art Basel. Seeing how many people interacted with the mural and engaged with the message behind it was a revelation. It was then that I truly felt my purpose was not just to create art but to communicate meaningful stories that could inspire and move others.
Today, I feel a deep sense of calling and responsibility to continue that work. My latest series, the Feminine Divinity series, is very personal to me. Growing up in a patriarchal household, and in a society that often undervalues feminine energy, I felt the need to honor the strength and divine power that women possess. My art serves as a reminder that we, as women, are not the weaker sex. We are strong, resilient, and divine, and my purpose is to celebrate that through my work. Whether it’s through murals, commissions, or my own personal pieces, my goal is always to convey stories of strength, healing, and connection.
I believe my purpose is to create art that heals, inspires, and honors the human experience—both my own and others’. Every piece I create is an extension of that purpose, and I feel incredibly grateful to have found this path.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

As an artist, my focus is multifaceted. While public art and murals are an important part of what I do, they are just one of the many forms my work takes. I continue to create commission paintings and explore different mediums, always staying open to new opportunities and collaborations that come my way. My goal is to offer my artistic expertise in as many ways as possible, staying connected to my creative vision while also making a meaningful impact.
A key part of that vision is to build deeper connections within the community. I believe art can be a powerful tool for bringing people together, and I’m excited to be opening my own studio space in Koreatown, Los Angeles. This space will serve as a creative hub where I can produce new work, showcase my art, and host workshops designed to inspire others to create. Whether people are experienced artists or new to the process, I want to help them find joy in creating—just as I have throughout my own journey.
In addition to this new chapter, I am continuing to work on several exciting projects, including my Feminine Divinityseries, which honors the strength and resilience of women. My aim is to expand this series and incorporate its themes into larger installations that will engage the public in meaningful ways.
As I move forward, I am committed to being open to whatever comes my way—whether that’s public art, commissions, collaborations, or community-driven projects. I feel grateful to be able to share my passion for art with others, and I look forward to growing my role as both an artist and a community member through my work.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, I would say that the three most important qualities that have shaped my journey as an artist are belief in oneself, love of the craft, and determination to keep going even when things get hard.
First and foremost, belief in oneself is crucial. There have been moments in my career where doubt crept in—whether it was imposter syndrome or external challenges that made me question my path. But having faith in my abilities and trusting my vision helped me push through. For anyone early in their journey, my advice is to cultivate that belief. Trust that what you create has value, even if it feels uncertain at times.
Second is a love of the craft. Art has always been more than just a profession for me—it’s a passion that has brought me healing and joy. I’ve found that by touching my craft at least once a day, even in small ways, I keep that connection alive. Whether you’re painting, drawing, writing, or making music, find joy in the process. Create something that resonates with you first. When you do that, you’ll eventually create something that brings joy to others as well.
Finally, determination is what keeps you going when the road gets tough. There will be setbacks, challenges, and moments when things don’t go as planned, but the key is to keep at it. There have been many times where I’ve faced obstacles in my work, but pushing through has always led me to new growth and discovery. My advice is to stick with it, even on the difficult days. That persistence is what will carry you forward.
One thing I hear often from others is, “I wish I could paint!” It’s shocking to me because I truly believe everyone can paint—everyone has the potential to create. It’s just about giving yourself the chance to try. You might surprise yourself with what you’re capable of when you let go of the idea of perfection and just enjoy the process.
In short, believe in yourself, love what you do, and stay determined. Touch your craft every day and let the joy of creation be your guide.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Yes, I am always open to collaborating with others, and I believe that some of the most exciting and impactful work comes from partnerships. I’m particularly interested in working with individuals and organizations that share my passion for creating meaningful, community-driven art. Whether it’s through public art projects, workshops, or events that bring people together, I’m eager to connect with others who see art as a way to inspire and uplift.
I’d love to collaborate with fellow artists, local businesses, community groups, or anyone who values the power of storytelling through art. My upcoming studio in Koreatown, Los Angeles, will be a space where creativity thrives, and I look forward to using it as a place not just for my own work but for shared creative experiences—through workshops, exhibitions, or collaborative art installations.
If you’re interested in partnering or collaborating, feel free to reach out. I’m open to new ideas, whether they’re large-scale murals, intimate commission pieces, or community-focused projects. You can connect with me through my website or social media, and I’d love to explore how we can create something beautiful together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.artbypresa.com
• Instagram: @artbypresa
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artbypresa
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@artbypresa8348

Image Credits

Alexandre de Matos, Zach Patrick