We recently connected with Kwanza Humphrey and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kwanza, thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

One of the most meaningful project I’ve been able to work on to this point has been a public commission for the new KCI airport terminal. I’ll have a permanent installation in the airport and will be one of several national and award winning artist. Kansas city has a commitment to the arts in that each new public project has to have an investment in the arts. Its really exciting to be selected as one of the local artists that will be featured in the terminal

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I began drawing at a very early age. Drawing was a medium I could get lost in, with my imagination and thoughts. Painting for me is a natural extension of that process. While it is a completely different medium, the emotion I bring to it is the same. As with any medium, it is a form of expression. I have been painting for over 25 years. I grew up here in Kansas City, graduating high school from Lincoln Academy. It was there I was encouraged to pursue art as a profession from Ms Claire Martin-West. I attended Missouri Western State University where I took several painting classes from Jack Hughes. His approach was very hands off unless you were really needing help. I appreciated his approach as it allowed me to develop my own voice. I graduated from there in ‘98 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Commercial Art with an emphasis in painting and illustration. My first exhibition was at the Albrecht Kemper membership show in ’96 where I won best of show for my painting “Blue Funk.” My painting “Ms Flora” won an award in the 35th Annual River market Regional Exhibition, curated by Mr Curlee Ravon Holton, Executive Director, David C. Driskell Center.
There is a method to what I create. I start with a pencil or charcoal drawing on paper as a guide. Sometimes it’s just one drawing. Other times it’s several, but it’s always in black and white. I reserve color for painting. I like the spontaneity it can bring to the canvas. I use color and deliberate brushstrokes to create character, conversation or a feeling. I rarely mix colors when I paint. I like to use the raw color and have them mix optically. I enjoy creating a contrast between what you see far away and what you see up close. When I paint, I try to capture an emotion and feeling that you wouldn’t normally see. Painting is an emotional experience for me, so much so that it’s hard to put into words the way I work. Sometimes I have a conversation with myself and shape a feeling. Other times I just let go and let my subconscious take over where color and brush are the medium I use to communicate.
The human form and face is the subject that I gravitate too. I enjoy people and scratching below the surface to show the essence of humanity. We all present a mask to the world to protect ourselves from the unknown. I’m looking to get past that façade and show the human connection we all share. I try not to explain everything visually. I try to paint so that you look at something and see the emotion in it. I think we all bring something personal to the table. Your experience will allow you to see something no one else does, or you may have a similar connection with your fellow viewers. My goal is for my work to resonate with you in some way. I hope on some level it does.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Society can show up to support artists in their local area. Just being there to view the art created, asking questions about what artists make, how they make it and why. Of course its great to purchase the work from them but I know thats not always possible. Sharing with others new art that you’ve found and keeping artists in conversations are all great ways to support artists.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish there were more opportunities to understand the business side of making a living as an artists early on, as well as all the opportunities there are in art. There are several jobs that allow you to practice are, but there are also several ways of going into business for yourself to sell your art. To be successful at it you really need to have an understanding of business and marketing and be able to devout the time it takes in those areas as well as just the craft of making art.

Contact Info:

• Website: khimages.com
• Instagram: kwanza3
• Twitter: kwanza

Image Credits
Studio shots, Jim Barcus & Julie Denesha