Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiki Slaughter

Hi Kiki, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.

The path of being an artist has always felt right for me. I have been devoted to art since a young age, being mentored by an accomplished artist who showed me that it was possible to build a career through painting. I continued my studies through college at The University of Virginia as a double major in studio art and art history. Then, I pursued graduate school at The Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London, where I received an MA in contemporary art history. I am best known for my expansive colorfield compositions that explore the fundamental process of painting. My work hinges on the act of intuitive mark-making and draws on the rich dual-pronged visual history of color theory and action painting. Forever fascinated by the practice of creating, I strive to add beauty to the world through my art.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

I’ve been fortunate to receive much support throughout my career, making it a relatively smooth journey. Growing up, I was surrounded by a supportive network of family and friends who boosted my confidence in my creative endeavors. Securing gallery representation early on was pivotal in expanding my client base and validating my work to potential buyers. Additionally, being featured in a magazine significantly propelled my career. Since then, I have steadily built my client list through galleries, PR opportunities, and word of mouth.

However, being a creative entrepreneur has its challenges. I wish I could solely focus on creating beautiful art without delving into the business side of things. There is a steep learning curve in understanding sales, marketing, and the financial aspects of the business. Balancing creativity with business sense feels like an ever evolving juggling act.

Stepping outside my comfort zone to promote my work is a very vulnerable and unnatural experience for me. But, it has proven to be beneficial, so I have had to get comfortable with being uncomfortable at times. Another lesson learned is that sales fluctuate monthly, so it’s important to budget and put funds aside, especially in anticipation of tax season.

Being an artist starts with having the courage to share your work with the world. Maintaining that confidence can be challenging and may require time to recover after facing setbacks. My best work comes from a place of genuine creativity, so I try to let go of any insecurities that could affect the energy I bring to the canvas. Sometimes, this means taking a break; other times, it involves finding a balance between commissioned pieces and my personal creative projects. I like working on multiple paintings simultaneously, mixing different styles and colors to stay inspired.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

A tribute to creative expression, my work tells the story of my artistic process, with every stroke, splatter, and stain of paint adding character to the narrative. My technique is a delicate balance of spontaneity and precision, both intuitive and intentional. Tapping into creative flow, I work in the moment, pouring, scraping, and layering paint to create dynamic compositions that explore the relationship between color and texture. My approach is experimental and playful, juxtaposing bold blocks of color and gestural brushwork through various paint applications to add dimension and bring the canvases to life.

Painting is both my method and muse, and I find inspiration in every step of the process. Fully immersing myself in my craft, each piece becomes a window into my imagination and the world around me. Whether channeling my studio’s creative energy or nature’s tranquil beauty, I strive to capture the essence of place and convey its energy onto canvas. Through this method, my work is meant to engage viewers and invite them into another world. The ultimate compliment I receive is when someone tells me my work has moved them somehow, as it is a testament to the power of creative expression.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?

People are usually surprised that I work on the floor on multiple paintings at once, jumping from one painting to the next as I add layers over time.

Pricing:

• general price range from $4,000-$10,000 depending on size

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kikislaughter.com
• Instagram: @kiki_slaughter

Image Credits

All the photos are by Sarah Cramer Shields