Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaelyn Provost.
Hi Kaelyn, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
At 10 years old, I was introduced to digital art with animations and anime-cartoon styled drawings. The first few works that caught my attention were done on this application called Flipnote Hatena, where a lot of Nintendo DSi users created their pieces. I strongly admired how they brought 2D characters to life with a few tools to create. I also admired how they were able to express so much without using as many materials.
Feeling extremely inspired, I decided to use the school supplies I had, along with my DSi, to create my own anime-style characters. Continuing the practice allowed me to discover my own style and research artist grade materials to produce more of my ideas the way I envisioned them. Although I did not have a platform to publicly share my creations, social media allowed me to create a habit of posting my work more, which has gotten me amazing feedback and many global supporters! Even with some setbacks, I remained persistent in keeping the passion alive.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’ve experienced bumps in the road on my journey that weakened my connection to art. At a young age, I was discouraged from pursuing art as it wasn’t viewed as a “real career”, assuming I was interested in something not sustainable. Passion was disregarded and money was prioritized. While I understand money is essential for survival, I am a sole believer that passion being the driving force will attract money, especially when you have a proper work ethic.
Of course, as a kid, I internalized what I was told as I didn’t want to disappoint anyone and set myself up for failure. This has slightly stifled how I communicated/networked for the business side of art. Like Erykah Badu said: “I’m an artist and I’m sensitive about my sh*t” so I definitely struggled with concerns of my artistry not being accepted enough to thrive. As of currently I am learning more how to market properly and improve my confidence in making genuine connections within the community.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work surrounds the liminal space between secular and spiritual foundations, intersecting human figures with visible (and invisible) forces of life. I work mostly in traditional and digital mediums for 2D artwork, with experience in 3D mediums as well. Portrait drawing is what I’m mostly known for, as well as my use of color. I am most proud of breaking out of my shell, being vulnerable enough to share my art and allow it to expand from my home town, to communities around the world. I feel like what sets me apart from others is my approach to exploring the spiritual connection that can deeply reside within; the identity beyond physical, colonized, and/or man made concepts.
What were you like growing up?
A child’s imagination is extremely vivid. With that being said I was very attracted to a lot of mystic lore like fairies, mermaids, various types of mythology. My discovery of mysticism came from the extremely vivid dreams I would have along with the games I played such as Wizard101. This carried out as I’ve grown through adolescence and incorporated the style into my earlier drawings. Growing up, I kept to myself majority of the time, only expressing my creative side and true personality with close friends. Even then, a lot of my interests remained to myself unless someone shared a genuine curiosity with an open mind.
Pricing:
- $20 8.5″ x 11″ prints
- Overflowing Thoughts Original (framed) $200
- Vulnerable Original (framed) $300
- Eyesore Original (framed) $85
Contact Info:
- Email: kaelynjp713@gmail.com
- Website: www.klyn-art.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/strwbrrykaewi
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/strwbrrykaewi
Image Credits
Kaelyn Provost
