Today we’d like to introduce you to Aunia Kahn

Hi Aunia, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?

In 2001, my life took a dramatic turn when I moved from Michigan to St. Louis. On my first day at a new job, I found myself in a break room, watching the tragic events of 9/11 unfold alongside strangers. It was overwhelming, and I never returned to that job.

At the same time, I was grappling with mysterious health issues. To support myself, I began freelancing in website and graphic design, skills I had been developing since 1998. Now, more than 25 years later, I’m still thriving in this field, having added digital marketing to my repertoire.

I ventured into digital art in 2002 and had my first exhibition by 2005. Unfortunately, allergies to traditional art materials kept me from working in those mediums for nearly my entire career.

In 2021, after finally receiving a diagnosis and proper treatment for several rare diseases, including life-threatening reactions to art materials, I cautiously returned to traditional mediums. This newfound stability allowed me to experiment with gentler materials like watercolor and gouache, opening up new creative possibilities. Now, I’ve become a bit of an art supplies enthusiast—reviewing countless products on YouTube has become a passion of mine.

During the pandemic, my design and marketing agency, Rise Visible, experienced significant growth, providing the financial and health stability I needed to reconnect with my painting.

In 2022, I began working on a private, experimental series that was a departure from my usual portraiture. These works were vibrant, surreal, and playful, representing a major shift in my style. It wasn’t until 2023 that I felt ready to share them, unsure of how they would be received after nearly 20 years in the art world.

As an artist, there’s often pressure to maintain a consistent style, and drastic changes can sometimes alienate your audience. But I’ve always admired creatives who take risks, especially when they have an established following, knowing full well that their work will be publicly scrutinized. It takes courage to make those leaps.

Making such changes can put your livelihood and support network at risk, but about two months ago, I decided to blend my portraiture with a maximalist, fantastical world of bold colors and strange imagery. This creative shift has reignited my passion. I realized my characters needed richer narratives, so I incorporated elements from my childhood—vivid colors, botanical motifs, and intricate patterns.

Now, my art mirrors my personal world—how I dress, the things I love, and the essence of my home. I’m thoroughly enjoying the process. Many galleries and collectors have embraced this new direction, though not everyone has.

For me, creating is never about catering to the masses or making art just to sell. My work is driven by passion, and if it resonates with others or finds its way into galleries and collections, that’s simply a rewarding bonus to the joy of creation.

I also decided to open the Poetic Tiger Gallery, Boise, ID. I had a gallery for a few years but again my illness got in the way, so being stable I have given it a try again and its going so well! Having Rise Visible as a stable income and the gallery as a passion is huge!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

The path has always been a bit uneven, as life tends to be. If things were too smooth, I’d probably question whether I’m really growing or facing challenges that push me forward. Throughout it all, I’ve wrestled with both my health and my sense of self-worth.

It’s hard not to feel inadequate as an artist. Staying grounded is key—avoiding the trap of an inflated ego while also constantly striving for growth. Yet, finding peace with where you are, even while knowing there’s more ahead, is essential. This is something I personally struggle with. With a type A personality, it’s difficult to feel content in the moment. But for any creative, learning to embrace the present is crucial.

It’s important to value every piece of art you make, regardless of whether it’s a success or failure. Every work has meaning, and there’s always something to take away from the experience.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

Right now, I’m very excited to reopen an art gallery with my partner Michael de Vena. I ran another gallery on and off for about five years and my health really impacted my ability to own a physical location. Once I finally got a diagnosis after almost 20 years, medication and stability. It’s so exciting to announce that we opened a brand new gallery here is Boise, ID.

Poetic Tiger Gallery is a premier art gallery and boutique offering an eclectic mix of contemporary art, folk art, pop surrealism, and outsider art. The gallery showcases exceptional, one-of-a-kind original artwork from international, national, and local artists.

We cater to discerning art enthusiasts who seek distinctive and unique pieces. Beyond original works of art, our boutique offers a collection of prints, handcrafted jewelry, intricate miniature art, unique home decor, and more.

The Poetic Tiger Gallery provides a diverse array of exhibition experiences within a thoughtfully designed space. It includes a main exhibition room for monthly group shows, a dedicated solo exhibition room, the auxiliary room, and a captivating one one-of-a-kind miniature exhibition room. Additionally, the gallery includes an inventory room, along with the Tiny Art Gallery—a standalone, house-shaped structure that proudly participates in the Tiny Art Free Gallery movement.

We are so excited to go back after this dream again!

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?

Thank you for asking! If you’re looking for expert web design, SEO, or digital marketing services, Rise Visible is here to help. Visit our website to explore how we can elevate your online presence and grow your business.

For those interested in learning more about our gallery, Poetic Tiger, or in submitting artwork, head over to the Poetic Tiger website for details on exhibitions and opportunities.

And if you’re curious about my personal artwork or would like to view my latest pieces, you can explore them at auniakahn.com. We’re excited to connect and offer our creative services!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://poetictiger.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poetictigergallery/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepoetictigergallery
• Twitter: https://x.com/poetic_tiger