We were lucky to catch up with K W recently and have shared our conversation below.

K, appreciate you joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

The path to mastering any craft is often depicted as a series of linear steps, but for me, it’s been more of an unpredictable journey filled with constant learning and reinvention. As an artist, I believe the process of honing my craft is ongoing—an evolution that never truly ends. I’m always pushing myself to embrace discomfort in hopes of unlocking new dimensions within my work. My artistic journey began by chance. During my junior year of college, I was immersed in designing graphics for clothing using Illustrator and Photoshop. At that time, I was unaware that this was the beginning of my career as an artist, which we could argue dates even further back to when I was 4 drawing Pokemon with my father, but we will start here for the purpose of the story. After graduating in the spring of 2017, I moved to New York City, full of aspirations and dreams. However, life threw a curveball my way. That March, I was diagnosed with cancer of the parotid gland on the left side of my face. The treatment involved two extensive surgeries, which left me unable to work on the computer due to the strain it placed on my head. It was in this challenging period that a profound shift occurred. One day, while walking into my New York apartment on 7th Street, I stumbled upon an easel discarded in the garbage. I took it back to my place and, later that day, a friend brought over some paint. I felt an inexplicable pull towards painting. My first creation was a robot—a motif that still features prominently in my work today. From that moment on, painting became my obsession. I immersed myself in the craft, dedicating countless hours to perfecting my technique. My skills were not honed in a traditional art school environment but through relentless practice and experimentation. Each step of this journey was essential; I don’t believe there’s a shortcut to learning. What I have discovered, however, is that the most significant growth comes from stepping out of my comfort zone. Initially, I avoided risks, sticking to what felt natural and easy. Now, I’ve come to embrace the discomfort of experimenting with new styles and techniques. This willingness to face the unfamiliar on the canvas has often led to surprising and gratifying results. I take pride in my versatility and the ability to work across different styles. I resist being pigeonholed into a single genre, which keeps my artistic process continually fresh and evolving. This constant state of discomfort is something I’ve learned to cherish, as it fuels my growth and creativity. For me, it’s not just about the destination but about finding joy in the ever-changing journey of artistic exploration.

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

My entry into the art world wasn’t traditional, but it has been marked by several notable milestones that I’m excited to share. One of the highlights of my career was having my paintings featured in Cardi B and El Alfo’s music video for “Mi Mami.” Additionally, two pairs of my hand-painted Air Force Ones were collected by Missy Elliott, and Aaron Judge has one of my paintings in his collection. I’ve also had the honor of having a painting auctioned at the Guggenheim Gallery in Chelsea, NYC, and held a solo show titled “Pigments of Sound” with Quidley & Company Fine Art. Another memorable moment was exhibiting at the Imagine Museum, As well as an ongoing show with OSO Studio in Wynwood, Miami. I’m thrilled to announce an upcoming show on October 5th in Tampa, FL with Dean Street Gallery. While it’s challenging to keep track of every achievement in the fast-paced art world, these events stand out as personal highlights. I take great pride in the evolution of my work and constantly strive to push boundaries. For those who follow my art, expect to be surprised and intrigued by what’s coming next. My journey is driven by a commitment to innovation and growth.

Any fun sales or marketing stories?

One of my personal favorite marketing stories involves a last-minute scramble that became a memorable adventure. It was a Friday evening in New York City, around 10 p.m., and I was unwinding with a few drinks at a bar just down the street from my apartment. The bartender, a familiar face, was wrapping up for the night, and we were planning to continue the evening with friends once their shift ended. Out of the blue, I received a call from someone I’d met at one of my shows a few weeks earlier. The message was urgent and straightforward: they needed photos of my paintings immediately, as they were selecting a few to be featured in Cardi B and El Alfo’s music video for “Mi Mami.” Once chosen, the paintings needed to be delivered to the set in Brooklyn within the hour. Without wasting a second, I dashed from the bar, sprinted through the East Village to my apartment on 7th Street, grabbed the paintings, and called an Uber. However, the Uber experience didn’t go as planned. The driver was less than thrilled about transporting artwork saying his Uber was for people, not paintings, and after a brief exchange of adult words, he left. In a stroke of serendipity, a yellow cab appeared—a van cab, and, remarkably, it was empty. I quickly explained the situation to the driver, who, understanding the urgency, agreed to help. He put the cab into what felt like “sport mode,” weaving through the city streets and over the bridge to Brooklyn. We arrived at the set, which was surrounded by Bentleys and was far more impressive than anything I’d encountered before. I carefully delivered the paintings, thanked the crew, and then returned to my previous plans. A few months later, I was thrilled to see my artwork featured prominently in the video. It was a whirlwind experience that perfectly encapsulated the unpredictable and exhilarating nature of being an artist.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most fulfilling aspect of being an artist is the connection I make with people through my work. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how each painting can evoke a variety of emotions and interpretations, unique to every viewer. The true magic lies in the diverse opinions and conversations that my art inspires. I cherish the opportunity to engage with attendees at my shows and hear their personal reflections on my pieces. It’s fascinating how a painting that holds a particular meaning for me can resonate differently with each individual who encounters it. This array of perspectives highlights the essence of art: it serves as a mirror, reflecting our personal experiences and viewpoints. In today’s digital age, where much of our communication is mediated through screens, it’s refreshing and invigorating to witness people connect and debate over art in person. The dialogues sparked by my work—whether they’re enthusiastic discussions or thoughtful debates—bring a sense of vitality to the art world. For me, these interactions underscore the impact of art and its ability to bridge connections in an increasingly virtual world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thekwgallery.com
• Instagram: kw.refinedgraffiti
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-wallack-252a28109/

Image Credits

Photos taken by Makaila Sisneros