We recently connected with Kayla Wheat and have shared our conversation below.

Kayla, appreciate you joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

My dad is a hard-working entrepreneur–a trailblazer. My mom is a lifelong learner and an exceptional caregiver. Their love and friendship for and with one another is coveted and rare. The leadership they provided (and still provide) by their own example, was something that, in my humble opinion, they did “right.”
My parents allowed me to be sensitive and creative, but expected me to be strong and independent. That balance led me to never settle for anything less than standing on my own two feet, upon whatever stable ground provided the most happiness. My parents taught me that as long as I had the drive, I could do/be whatever I wanted. Neither of my parents ever told me what I should do, but rather gently guided me in different directions to see where my passions might pop up.
Every summer my mom took my brother and I to the craft store to pick out a project to do, probably to keep us occupied, but I think that was what kick-started my creative drive. I still get the same welcome overwhelm in the craft store–the feeling of endless possibility. I love my parents dearly and I definitely owe them the thanks for my self-proclaimed well-roundedness.

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

My name is Kayla Wheat of K. Wheat Fine Art and sWheat Knits. I am an artist and an art teacher based here in Denver. I am a painter and a fiber artist, specializing in atmospheric oil paintings for the home, and hand-knit accessories. My creative interests are vast and eclectic, and although I am mostly self-taught, I love putting my whole self into learning new techniques.
I am a self-proclaimed “serial creative.” I just really enjoy being creative in whatever realm presents itself.

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

PAY ARTISTS FOR THEIR WORK, TIME AND EFFORT.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The sense of fulfillment I feel when I am being creative. Nothing compares. Losing track of time because I’m in the creative “flow state…” I just love that feeling. It makes me feel like I’m doing exactly what I’m meant to be doing in the moment.
I also really love connecting with other creatives/artists. It’s rewarding to be around like-minded people. There’s a feeling of validation and even commiseration in a sense, that I find strangely satisfying.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.swheatart.com
• Instagram: @swheat_art
• Other: etsy: sWheat Knits