Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendra Farstad

Kendra, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

My career in the arts began out of necessity. Being present with my daughter was my priority, so it was very important for me to be able to forge a career that could sustain us and also fit into the lifestyle I endeavored to provide for her as a single parent. When she was around a year old, an opportunity presented itself that enabled me to work as an artist, with the condition that I not sign my own work. So began my journey as a professional artist, I was reverse-painting with oil paints on glass chandeliers for a company out of California. While it was definitely an exploitative position, it enabled me to stay home with my daughter and in turn the opportunity to embark on daily adventures with her, something almost unheard of for a single-parent who wasn’t independently wealthy. This time taught me that it was possible to make very good money with the skills that I have as an artist, for that I am incredibly grateful as it established a pathway for me to pursue an independent art career.
As my daughter grew, I continued to pick up bar-tending shifts and house painting jobs to supplement my income as an artist. I focused primarily on painting murals, and began to make a name for myself. I was gaining momentum by taking on larger and more challenging projects, but decided to put my mural business on hold in order to attend graduate school when my daughter started first grade. Two years later, I had earned my Master’s Degree in Anthropology, I was able to follow-through on my childhood dream of working as an archaeologist in the Yucatán and in Costa Rica, but… I was not earning enough to support my daughter and I and I missed painting on walls. I satisfied my intellectual curiosity by working as a freelance archaeological illustrator and determined it was best to throw myself into building a career as a mural artist.
In 2020, police murdered George Floyd, this lead to protests nation-wide calling for police reform. It was at the height of these protests that I realized my power as an artist. Art is a universal language, it garners attention and gives a voice to those who may have otherwise felt ignored. Art can educate, inspire, provoke, and ignite conversation and action in a positive manner, this is my passion. To use my skills and the tools available to transform consciousness, one wall or room at a time.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

I’ve rarely met a person who had achieved great success without encountering obstacles along the way. It took a lot of perseverance, adaptation, and compromise to walk the path I have chosen. The most difficult challenge of my life has been co-parenting with an abusive person, the stress from this ongoing battle permeates every facet of my life.
Yet, I would not have become an artist without it. Each time a new threat was levied, I adapted and I gained a greater understanding of my strengths, while I worked on my weaknesses. These challenges galvanized my actions by turning fear into art. While I would definitely choose differently had I the option, in this moment I honor that challenges that I have endured and embrace their result.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

Above all else, I am a maker. From building and planting my gardens to harvesting their bounty into nourishing foods, to renovating houses as a carpenter and designer, to crafting, sewing, writing, and painting murals, I love the creative problem-solving that is involved in bringing my ideas to life. I think that not focusing on a specific medium or art style and being able to remain flexible is my specialty. I believe that doing so allows me to be my most authentic self.

What matters most to you?

My daughter. I want her to know that we are cycle breakers, that she has strength within her that she can not imagine and that she can use her talents and skills to make this world a better place,

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kendrafarstad.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kendrafarstadarts/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063633484140