We recently connected with Kiazer Sylve and have shared our conversation below.

Kiazer , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of the toughest things about progressing in your creative career is that there are almost always unexpected problems that come up – problems that you often can’t read about in advance, can’t prepare for, etc. Have you had such and experience and if so, can you tell us the story of one of those unexpected problems you’ve encountered?

I can remember the first time I quit my job to paint full-time. Initially it started out great. I was doing pop up art markets, taking commissions and it seemed as if the art Gods embraced me. Then something very unexpected happened. Art became my job, I was now dependent on art financially. It put a terrible strain on my creative process and mind set. The fear of not making money, the competition with other artist, doubt in self became regular. I never wanted art to take on that much responsibility at least not so fast. So I went back to work and now I have a healthy relationship with art making while working a 9-5.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Kiazer Sylve. Born and raised in New Orleans Louisiana. I’ve been an artist my whole life and started painting about 10 years ago. My grandfather was probably the first person I knew who drew and that inspired me to pick up a pencil very young. I was introduced to painting working at Mardi Gras World making and painting props in the flower department. I took the comfort of using paint and incorporated it into what I’ve always done with a pencil. I do a lot of portraits and creative surreal paintings. I prefer to use acrylic paint and spray paint, oil takes a bit long to dry. I co own a gallery in the Gentilly neighborhood and that space doubles as a gallery and event space. We provide not only a clean and artsy space to rent but my business partner also is into tech so we also offer a range of meta and digital services as well. I’ve definitely made wonderful gifts for clients and we’ve been able to provide education with a lot of the digital platforms. I think one thing that separates me from other artists is I know the true value of my talent and I understand that discipline will take me farther than talent alone. I’m most proud of the gallery space, I’d never thought I’d have a gallery. I’d like for potential readers to know that myself and business partner are dedicated to serving and uplifting the black community with the resources and connections we have by every means necessary.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I believe art is it’s own reward. The fact that creativity is something I’m able to illustrate through various outlets is what I live for. The expression of self not only through visual art, but culture, style, communication. Most of that is for me, then there’s what my art does for others. The connections, self reflection, internal dialogue, all of it makes it worth while to expose a piece of myself and bare with the reception.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I think the biggest thing “non creatives” struggle with is believing that they aren’t creative. I hate when people say I wish I could paint like you or were creative like you. I tell people the only difference between you and I, is that I never stopped coloring. At some point in our lives we all were creative, we drew, colored, sculpted dirt, danced, and sang. Then at some point most of us started to lose touch with their inner creative because life said grow up or whatever. It’s important to maintain touch with your inner child, inner creative, that’s where divinity is channeled.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Kiazersylve.com
• Instagram: @kiazerwho
• Facebook: Kiazer Sylve
• Other: https://Rossernftgallery.com

Image Credits

Kiazer Sylve