We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kaylah Hagler a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Kaylah, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
I worked full time at law offices after I graduated college. One day, I realized I was unhappy with the way I was living my life. I’m too young to be unfulfilled lol. I started purposely paying more attention to the things and activities that brought me joy. That’s when I started volunteering and taking basic art classes at the local art spaces in Orlando. I just got whever I could around my work schedule. When the classes would finish, I would feel so good and proud of my work. I saw that art make me feel curios and alive! I know I want some like that in my life in a substantial way.
Kaylah, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I go buy SuperKay on instagram lol. I’m a multidisciplinary emerging artist in the city. Ive been in Atlanta for about 2.5 years now. I am a painter. I’m also learning mural-making and tattooing. I’ve been pursuing this as an adult form about 3-4 years I’ve been an artist all my life.
I am a self-taught painter. I work in realism-based styles and I like to use lots of color. I use acrylics and oils and I’m learning aerosols. I don’t want to be boxed in. I am still growing and opening my self to more forms of expression. For art, I am at a constant state of learning.
I actually just started tattooing people a few months ago. I am an apprentice at Peters Street Station in downtown Atlanta. PSS is a 3rd space, community arts and design center that is an extension of the historic tattoo shop, City of Ink. My goal for tattooing is to be able to do my realism/painting style piece but on people!
I really love art and I really love seeing people connect to life and ideals and other people and energy and humanity and emotion. It’s a beautiful thing to witness up close.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
As a society I think we could do better in respecting what art does for the individual and community. The arts ignite a part the life source of a human being. Its something that keeps us alive and connected.
I also thinking people should slow down and educate themselves on art/art making/art history so they can gain a true appreciation for the craft and support living artists. There are tons of artists out there y’all just don’t know them. There’s way more than Basquiat and Warhol out here.
Also you should buy your friend’s art, it starts at home.
Also you should buy your friend’s art, it starts at home.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
My biggest pivot to date was when I quit my job and moved to Atlanta. I’ve lived so many lives since then. I was serious about changing my life because I deserve to be happy with my mine.
Two and a half years later, I’ve grown so much as a person! Even though I’m still in transition, I can tell it was worth it! So far, I have actually started tattooing, I have a community of artists, and I have paintings in galleries across the city! I’m another step closer to my self and I am so grateful. I am so glad I didn’t let the fear of change keep me an a cubicle.
I want people to know that I pursued this venture “scared”. I want other people to see me doing my thing anyway and feel the encouragement to do their thing, too.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Superkay__ and superkay.art
Image Credits
Brit Sade Kaylah Hagler
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