We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kay Lee. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kay below.

Kay, appreciate you joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

I’ve always loved to paint and create artwork on a smaller and personal scale, as in on a canvas. Last year, I was asked to participate in DC Art All Night and to paint a mural live. I was excited about the idea and totally freaked out at the same time. I would be surrounded by the community and standing beside other artists that I considered “top notch muralists”. On top of never really using spray cans for an entire piece of artwork. I began to let self-doubt and imposter syndrome kick in. Luckily, I am surrounded by so many awesome artists and supporters, that they gave me tips and told me once I started, I’d be fine. The hardest part was seriously the first squirt from the spray can. Once it was over, and I took a deep breath, it was just like any other art project I had tackled before. I had the best time ever and have not looked back since. It sparked a love for creating murals that I didn’t know I had. Every project now, still gives me butterflies but I know after that first mark on whatever the canvas, wall, etc. maybe, it’s going to be fine, and I am going to artistically demolish it. In a good way.

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

I am a visual artist and muralist in the DC, MD, VA area. I have been indulging in the arts for what seems like forever. I decided to switch my passion from a hobby into a business in 2019 when I founded Kay Lee 287, LLC. I provide high quality artwork, prints and commissioned work to those seeking to support the arts and acquire one-of-a-kind pieces. I love working with acrylics due to how fast it dries, and the working time needed. Alot of my more recent pieces, are created by layering and mixing thick paint with palette knives to create a textured and intense dimensional work of art.

I find inspiration from everywhere, but I love women, animals and water. I can paint anything, but I always come back to those three categories.

One of the main things I want anyone to know about me is that although I am a mom first, I will still follow my passion. It does not have to be one over the other. I love showing my kids they can follow their dreams and still do all things. My kids often assist with my projects, pieces and events. Seeing them proud of me, makes me proud. Being a mom is a big reason why interacting with my community and showing the youth how to channel their emotions in a more positive light is a big thing for me. I love inspiring other kids to be artists… because art is awesome.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Right out of high school I went to art school because art was something I was good at. I was not as passionate about it back then and eventually flunked out because I needed to make money. When I did decide to go back, I decided to change majors and pick a career to where I could excel financially and easily (since society brainwashed me with art doesn’t pay – lies). I excelled in school and my career, but now I’m back years later teaching myself and now wishing to be full-time in my passion.

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

The internet is the best tool out there. Between social media (Instagram, tiktok) and youtube, you can learn anything. One of my favorite resources is Skillshare. It is also a neat community of people sharing their skills and knowledge with others.     

Contact Info:

• Website: www.DaintySpaceDesigns.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/Kaylee287_art
• Facebook: www.Facebook.com/Kaylee287
• Portfolio: www.Kaylee287.com