Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kyng Rhodes. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kyng, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the story of how you went from this being just an idea to making it into something real.
My journey from full time graphic designer to full time visual artist was sort of abrupt, but beautiful. While working as a graphic designer in the summer of 2020,I felt the urge to participate in protest happening in Indianapolis surrounding racial injustice. I was drained creatively and emotionally from my job which didn’t allow for the creative freedom that id hope for when studying for my degree. I was also emotionally exhausted from experience all that the pandemic offered, During the protest I decided to chant while holding my artwork as if it were one of the card board signs being held around me. This instinctive decision caught the attention of two individuals who are now known as the cofounders of the culture startup GANGGANG, Mali Jeffers and Alan Bacon. The two of them approached me on the steps of the “soldiers & Sailors” monument and asked to buy my work to which I had to decline at the time because it was fuel towards my message. Later that summer, Jeffers and I connected on Instagram about a Mural that was being painted on a historic street in Indianapolis “Indiana Avenue”. I immediately excepted the invitation to be apart of a historic mural, painted on a historic street, with the same message we chanted in the streets of Indy earlier that summer “ Black Lives Matter”. After the completion of the mural 17 artist along with myself were propelled into a sea of artistic, and creative opportunities. The mural message and the vents that followed gained so much media attention including an article in Forbes. The interest in my work begin to skyrocket! It was also at this time that I was let go from position as a graphic designer during the pandemic nonetheless, With a mountain of original artworks, ideas, and opportunities in front of me and took the leap. I became a full time visual artist, which was met with tons of support from my friends and loved ones who where quick to remind me I should have taken the leap all along. It was clear to them,and myself that I’d always wanted to given that I’ve creating works of art since the age of three which family will confirm. After acquiring all that it took I started my LLC in October of 2020. These last two years have not only been some of the best of my professional career but of my life. I have sold several original artworks, exhibited in multiple galleries and museums, and my most recent group exhibition “We. The Culture” at the Indianapolis Muesum of Art now known as Newfields was featured on the front page of Arts section in the New York Times. The exhibition features the work of 18 local Indianapolis artists myself included. Exclaiming that this was a full circle moment wouldn’t do it justice.
Kyng, 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?
I would like those that are new to my work or my brand to know that I’ve been creating works of art from the age of three, I have no formal training, nor did I attend college for fine art. Every original work I create has a story behind it with some significance to myself or my view on a number of topics, and or situations. I present them as visual stories accompanied by vibrant colors, bold figures of both the human and avian species (mostly) and reveal curiosities and new understanding with and through painted “spotlights”. These “spotlights” which to date have been yellow triangular figures are used to call attention to matters of subjects rather “good” or “bad” as spotlights where intended to do. This figure has been the protagonist of my work to date. I would like new discoverers of brand to know that the spotlight will not always be painted or apparently present. I’m constantly pondering new ways to present it. I’ve become fond of the phrase “ Follow the spotlights, stop and smell the flowers” which I started telling collectors and admirers of my work to help the better understand my dream manifested paintings. Folllowing the spotlights would be considered staying alert on the path that you choose, while stoping and smelling the flowers suggests taking time to be vigilant, grateful and fruitful things will come of this,
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
The most effective source for building my clientele has been with my authenticity, I’m smiling example of being yourself contributing to your success. I seek only to show my understandings, reflections and views of the stories I tell with my work aren’t forced their instinctive just like the brush strokes and composition choices I make. These choices have allowed a genuine body of supporters to find my work, and because its authentic to me it becomes personal and much more meaningful when a work has been bought or chosen for a specific purpose because the means they truly chose “me”.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most reward aspect of being an artist is the ability of creation itself. It’s a superpower just like someone with a high IQ or amazing genetics that help them become an amazing athlete or performer. Doing it full time as a career has just been a dream realized for me. I’m currently living me dream and purpose. I was meant to be an artist, to be a creative spirit and I know this because of how natural it feels to me. It’s not only the feeling of instinct but the amount of my attention that occupies and the space that I welcome it to take up in my life, and in doing so that is was what it has become which is all I’ve ever wanted. I’m extremely grateful for everyday that begins and passes with me being an artist for a living.
Contact Info:
- Website: Kyngrhodes.com
- Instagram: Kyngrhodes
Image Credits
Francis Nwosu Simone Murray Erick Lubrick Indianapolis Muesum of Art Kyng Rhodes