We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kat Sierra a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kat, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

As an artist, it can be tempting to stick to what you know and create works that are safe and familiar. However, taking risks can lead to greater innovation, creativity, and success in the long run. By stepping outside of your comfort zone and trying new things, you open yourself up to new perspectives and possibilities.

Taking risks as an artist can also set you apart from your peers and help you stand out in a crowded market. It shows that you are willing to push boundaries and explore uncharted territory, which can be incredibly appealing to collectors and audiences alike.

Of course, taking risks also involves a certain degree of vulnerability and uncertainty. But by embracing these challenges and using them as opportunities for growth, you can develop your skills and expand your artistic vision. Ultimately, taking risks as an artist can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience that leads to greater personal and professional success.

Kat, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Katiuska Brigian Sierra

I am a native New Yorker with familial roots abroad through the channels of South America and the Middle East. Art and the capture of life in motion through a lens has gifted me with an introspective perspective of the world and with great appreciation for nature. Art dominated my life long before I understood its power.

I studied Fine Art and Photography at the School of Visual Arts in New York, and at FAU in Boca. Professionally, I worked as a portrait and commercial photographer, editor, and studio manager all throughout the early 2000’s. In later years I transitioned into helping artists discover their power and relay their passions through nonprofit work. Today I find that my work is consistent in its calling. I capture the details and the meaning of a moment in time. I have been told the captures I produce evoke feelings of relatability and convey the power of non-verbal expression. In addition to photography, I also sketch and paint. All my work has a flair of surrealism. The images that come in moments of deep thought, meditation, and surrender of the mind are my teachers.

Currently I hold the Director of Operations position at Funding Arts Broward as I continue to exhibit work. As its name indicates, the organizations functions as one of the only dedicated arts funders in this county. As an artist I can attest to the power that art has in a community. The desire to serve was always embedded in me throughout time. Community means so much to me. Aligning with my role within FAB came pretty easy. I know my diverse background in arts and business gave me an upper hand as FAB (Funding Arts Broward) transitioned its governance structure from volunteer based to employee supported.

I am most proud of the amount of impact I have been able to make in the arts sector since I began at FAB in 2019. Doubling and tripling the grant pool each year. The organization went through a transitionary period and has come out on the other side as a force. With the anchoring of dynamic and brilliant board members, FAB will continue to be the leading arts ambassador in Broward. I would like to think my vision coupled with the knowledge and resources of all stakeholders took us to a place where we are serving our community actively and in many more ways than before.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

There are a myriad of ways that we can all continue to support the arts and help the eco system thrive. One is active collaboration. Coming together in business where there is alignment to empower the arts. Being active by seeing shows, going to exhibits, taking art classes. Staying engaged in community activities. The arts are for everyone and studies show the effect it has on community, health, social awareness, economy, and what an amazing tool it is to self express. We all have something powerful to say, art is the great unifier that allows that.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

My views on NFT are limited. I have been asked to sell my work that way and have had a hard time following through. The moments in time that mean so much to me may lose moral value by reproduction, maybe I am wrong about that but it’s how I feel. I love the evolution of technology and the activation of self sustaining methods for artist. I just don’t know if it’s for me. My work, I am so connected to, it’s my diary.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/katbrigiansierra
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/katsierra

Image Credits
katiuska brigian sierra