We recently connected with Kyla Hawkins and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kyla, thanks for joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I love being an artist. Often times I go back and forth between relying on a job and strictly creating art. One thing I cant deny is that I was put here on earth to create beautiful art and inspire. Its so fulfilling when I create an authentic piece and it resonates with people. The emotions that my work evokes in others and myself is worth way more than a biweekly paycheck in my eyes. Art speaks to the spirit of humanity. Its rare that you can make such connections in a fast moving corporate environment. 2020 was a year that changed so many lives including my own. I was able to dedicate so much time and intention to my artwork. I received my first big commissions that year and the momentum has carried on since then. People were excited to see my growth as an artist. I started working with the Central West End and Painted BLK STL, creating huge themed murals. Those opportunities landed me in multiple articles, board rooms, and even an excerpt in the New York Times. With the support of my Facebook friends and local art companies I grossed over $10,000 from just creating beautiful work and being myself. It wasnt an easy journey. I did face challenges. I had to learn how to become a business woman. I had to learn how to be confident. I learned how to trust my vision as an artist. But the most challenging lesson was believing that I worth the abundance that is meant for me as an artist. Since childhood we are told that being an Artist isnt areal career. I proved the naysayers and myself wrong. I learned that the hard work I put in will always be rewarded.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Im a Visual Artist born and raised in Saint Louis, Mo. I started creating at very young age. I drew and paint to silence the chaos around me. Art has always been my safe space. In highschool my art teacher spoke life into me. He encouraged me to take art seriously. I create work that focuses on mental health, spirituality, womens rights, and freedom. I had my first solo art show in 2018 and have been exhibiting art ever since then. Ive had the opportunity to showcase work in Atlanta, Chicago, and hopefully many more cities and countries to come. One of my proudest moments so far was winning Art Battle Chicago this year. I participated in Art Battle Atlanta in 2019 and came in 3rd place the final round. Art Battle is a live speed painting competition. This year I won first place! It was unreal. I was so thankful to be there after facing so much adversity weeks prior. I was coming out of a deep depression, but I was determined to make it to Chicago and put everything onto the canvas. I love what I do. You can see the passion in my artwork with the vibrant colors, the challenging subject matter, and the emotion behind the eyes of the paintings that I create. I want my art to pause time if only for a moment. I want people to see and connect with my art.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I want non creatives to understand that art is necessary for a balanced healthy life. Whether youre a maker, connoisseur, or just an admirer. Art speaks to the spirit of humanity. It enriches a world that can lack color. It uplifts diversity. It brings warmth and originality to a structured world with so many rules. Artists and creatives everywhere are very powerful and stubborn people. We have been told our entire lives that are is not legitimate, that art is a “waste of time”, that “art isnt a real career”. To hear those things and still have the courage and passion to create is serious. We have to express ourselves in order to live. Its in our nature to make beautiful things and leave our unique mark on the world. If you know an artist or a young creative speak life into them, because we face a world that tries to devalue, deter, and diminish us at every turn. The world needs artist and creatives. Give us our flowers while we are here!

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Artist rarely ever get the recognition we deserve while living. Society can support artists be implementing art into the infrastructure. How many building and skyscrapers do you see that look the same? Carbon copies, things duplicated over and over, gray and dull minimalist designs to create a lifeless bland aesthetic. By creating opportunities for commerce living artists can earn living wages and debunk the struggling artist narrative that has been placed on us. Push yourselves to support living artist by buying their original works. You! Yes you, put down that mass produced canvas print from Walmart and buy a real artists artwork. That $80 you spend on something reprinted and mass produced can buy a weeks worth or groceries for a living artist. The revenue that can be generated when investing in artist means more to the artists and communities. We are able to restock, create new and higher quality works when people invest in us. When I see artists of color sharing and selling their work it inspires me. If they made it I can too. Look for chances to invite art into your life.

Contact Info:

• Website: khawkart.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/khawkart
• Facebook: facebook.com/khawkart2.0

Image Credits
Phillip Hamer