photos by: ROBERT WEBB
In true artisan tradition, Autumn Payne believes art is an extension of oneself — shifted into the reality we all live and breathe every day.
“In every piece I create, I give myself over to the exploration within the human experience and my medium, allowing it to take on a life of its own,” Autumn shares. “Through my work, I strive to capture and document the ever-unfolding nature of humanity, drawing from my personal viewpoint and experiences to unveil the mysteries, while provoking questions about the human condition.”
You’ll see raw honesty and self-reflection throughout her work as she strives to define what it means to be human.
“My hope is that my work dares viewers to stay a while, dream a while, and leave with more questions and ideas than when they first arrived,” adds Autumn.
Autumn is inspired by a balance of books and sunshine.
“As an artist, I often feel I’m standing in the middle of two worlds — one in the land of the living, and the other in the realm of dreams. It’s in that space where I dare to push the boundaries of what could be. Books feed my mind and spark my creativity, while sunshine helps me ground myself and connect to the world around me.”.
When asked about the greatest compliment she’s ever received, Autumn doesn’t hesitate. She recalls a quiet, glitter-covered moment during one of her Sunday art projects with her best friend’s daughter. “She looked up at me with these big, serious eyes,” Autumn says, “and told me, ‘We’re real artists because we can dream anything.’”
That moment struck a chord so deep it’s stayed with Autumn ever since. For her, it wasn’t just a sweet thing a child said—it was a declaration of belief. A reminder that being an artist isn’t about gallery representation or accolades. It’s about never losing that sense of wonder.
“If she can see the world through color and shape and hold on to that fearless, imaginative joy,” Autumn says, “then that’s the standard I want to live by—for my creativity, my career, and my heart.”
Autumn is excited about her new piece, “Strong Women,” a tribute to the women in her ancestral line who carried strength and resilience, leading to her, with a special focus on her great grandmother Minerva.
“Her story is one of immense strength, but also deep injustice,” says Autumn. “Strong Women honors my great grandmother Samantha—her legal given name—whose indigenous name and culture were stolen from her. Only through stories passed down were we able to learn that her name might have been Minerva, known only to those who remembered her true identity. Through this work, I aim to honor her voice, and the voices of others like hers.”
“It’s about shedding light on the oppression of women, preserving indigenous cultures, and sparking conversations about justice, healing, and women’s rights in the face of systemic oppression.”
To budding young artists, she says there will always be people ahead of you, behind you, and on their own journey. Comparison will take the joy out of your craft.
“If you step back, and your work brings you joy, then it is done,” she adds. “That moment is sacred, and you need to protect it.”
LKN Magazine is proud to announce that Autumn is our new writer in charge of our newly reimagined arts column, now titled Art in Motion.
Previously known as Art Speak, Art in Motion will spotlight the dynamic creators shaping today’s arts scene. Each edition will feature bold stories, creative journeys, and the voices behind the work that’s transforming our community today.
Watch for the first feature in the July issue of LKN Magazine!
To see more of Autumn’s work follow her on Instagram @Autumnpayne.art, and visit autumnpayneart.com.
