Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Keyani Watkins. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Keyani, thanks for joining us today. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?
I want my legacy to be that I touched the hearts and souls of everyone I came in contact with through my art and overall being.
Keyani, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am Keyani Watkins, a creative, visionary, ideator from Miami, Fl. I can and do pretty much everything in the creative field. My claim to familiarity to the world is through my paintings. At 23, I received my BFA at Miami International University of art & design. I use both traditional and digital mediums to display colorful pop culture inspired works of art. By juxtaposing both imaginary and reality realms in a portrait to reveal a certain underlying truth that springs forth laughter, nostalgia, or a more serious perspective on current events. The thought of being immortal inspired me to do art. Being a kid that was afraid to die, I realized the most authentic way that one could achieve ever living status is to create something that will surpass their human existence. Therefore, I illustrate, I paint, I create art to live forever. By using music, another successful route to eternity, I reimagine certain lyrics onto canvas and now sculpture work to tell a story of right now. It is said that this form of art over thousands of years has become embedded in our DNA. So, by communicating my ideas and vision through the work of my hands, I connect with my ancestors and descendants through story telling. I am proud that I followed this path despite the many challenges it has on surviving in America, especially in Miami, Fl. I am currently the art director of my own art gallery in the art district in Miami, Fl. We are Grand Opening Gallery. Grand Opening was started by two friends of mine named Jason Wess and Taachi Hayes. Grand Opening means “New Day Everyday” Let everyday be your grand opening! It started as a streetwear brand and later transformed into more when we got a storefront location. However, we did not want a regular storefront, so the decision was made to help our community by making an art gallery. I was appointed as art director and catered the gallery to local artists that do not get the shine they deserve in our city. I love helping others achieve their goals. whatever their creative dream is, we at Grand Opening Gallery try to make that come true, and that can be in any form of art.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
I feel the most rewarding aspect of art is seeing a thought become actuality!
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
I wish I knew more about sponsorships! I have easily spent almost half a million dollars on art supplies.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kkeeyyaannii.myshopify.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kkeeyyaannii/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keyani-watkins/
Image Credits
@theshoremag @zulianiphoto @devinlfuller