Atlanta’s Own Landen Prather: A Journey Through Art and Resilience
ATLANTA — Art has a new champion right in the heart of Atlanta, and that champion is 39-year-old Landen Prather. For this talented artist, creating captivating pieces is not just a job; it’s a journey filled with passion, memories, and a sprinkle of magic. From the moment he first picked up a paintbrush at the tender age of five in 1990, it’s been clear that art runs deep in his veins. With every stroke, Prather pours his heart and soul into his work, painting a vivid portrait of the world around him.
As a child, Prather could often be found tucked away in his room, happily immersed in his art. While other kids were glued to their TV screens, he was creating masterpieces. “I didn’t watch a lot of TV, so I would draw and paint and create all the time,” he reminisced. His talent did not go unnoticed; throughout his childhood, he racked up several awards that solidified his understanding that he could create art at a high level.
A Fork in the Road
However, like many journeys, Prather’s path wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. At 25, he put down his paintbrush, battling with depression and life’s challenges. This dark period cast a shadow over his artistic spirit, leaving him feeling lost. It wasn’t until he met his wife, Marissa, that he found his way back to the light. “My wife is my north star,” he said, affectionately reminiscing about the pivotal role she played in his life. “She is the one who brought me out of this darkness, and she is the one who is pushing me.”
With Marissa by his side, Prather began to rekindle his love for art, using it as a form of therapy. In December 2022, they took a huge step forward together by opening the Landen Prather Fine Arts Gallery in Villa Rica. This gallery is not just for showcasing his artwork; it serves as a beacon for emerging artists to gain exposure and share their creativity with the world. “Through that process, I started getting inspired. I started getting better. Believing in art every single day was amazing,” he shared.
Creating Stories Through Art
In line with their mission to support artists, Prather and Marissa, alongside their friend and business partner Robert Lawrence, launched a project called Art Emerged, which combines storytelling with visual art. Prather emphasized the importance of narrative, stating, “At the end of the day, it’s about honoring that person or that entity, and telling a story.” He brings to life bespoke experiences for a diverse range of athletes and musicians, including hip-hop legends like T.I. and Erykah Badu.
Prather draws inspiration from his own artistic icons, noting that legendary artist DL Warfield has a profound impact on his work, particularly due to Warfield’s design for the iconic Outkast album cover, “ATLiens.” “I grew up with that music and I would play that while I’d draw and paint,” he explained, linking his love for hip-hop to his creative process.
A Dream Realized at Stankonia Studios
In 2023, Prather took a bold step—he manifested his dream of having an art showcase at the renowned Stankonia Studios. Initially, they weren’t sure of his vision, but the idea of blending the worlds of music and visual art intrigued them. “Musicians are inspired by physical artists, and artists are inspired by musicians. I thought, ‘what if we were in the same room and we co-create?’” he explained. With several hours spent in the studio watching musicians at work, Prather felt the spark of creativity igniting all around him.
One of his standout pieces honors the influential hip-hop figure Rico Wade, described by Prather as the “architect” of southern hip-hop. Through a painting titled “Architects of Algorithm,” he encapsulated Wade’s profound legacy, presenting it with pride to Wade’s family, who loved it.
Chasing Dreams and Spreading Hope
Prather’s journey teaches an important lesson: to chase your dreams regardless of how daunting they may seem. “If you see it’s worth it to keep on living, the magic of the world can show up. I am living my childhood dreams right now,” he said brightly. His life story is a testament to resilience, persistence, and the power of love, showing that while the road may be rocky, it’s vital to keep moving forward. “Don’t think that anything is impossible,” he urges.
