Today we’d like to introduce you to Kalie Stier.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My passion for other cultures and art developed while I attended Westmont College in Santa Barbara. While there, I had the opportunity to study art abroad in Italy and learn the Italian language while completely immersing myself in the culture. From this experience, I knew that I wanted to see so much more of the world, but that I also wanted to make an impact with creativity. I found that the freelance marketplace of graphic design and photography was leading me to have an unhealthy focus on myself. I wanted to use my artistic talents and creativity for a greater purpose. So, in 2017 I went on the World Race and had the opportunity to use my photography to capture cultures and tell stories all around the world. I loved being able to share stories of how God is moving and working across the globe. My goal is to make the world a smaller place by using various forms of art to bring different cultures closer together, and to allow others who can’t travel, the opportunity to connect with others different than themselves.
The following summer, I had the opportunity to go to Spain and use art to engage the community in deeper questions about life and spirituality and share the love of Jesus through workshops, gallery openings and lots of time in the art studio.
Currently, I live in Singapore and am using art to cultivate meaningful conversations amongst many different cultures. It is amazing what pen and paper can do to bridge language, societal and cultural gaps. My desire is to use whatever artistic medium necessary to bring unity among cultures, encourage people to ask deep soul-searching questions and to find purpose in life.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been a smooth road, but it has been one that needed a lot of faith. Before each of the major leaps in my career, I was questioning the purpose of what I was doing. Through lots of prayer, I continued to take the next step, trusting that God would provide direction and leading in where He wanted me to use my artistic gifts. In each new place, I was able to gain experiences and make connections that have now allowed me to invest in Singapore and bring art to a country that is just beginning to embrace their creative side.
The advice I would give is to not compare yourself to others. I constantly struggle with this and know it’s not easy, but the more you believe in who you are and the gifts and talents you have, and then put those into practice rather than doubting yourself, you’ll be able to make a positive impact in this world. You were created for a specific purpose, and no one else can fulfill that except YOU! You got this!
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am an artist in a variety of mediums, but my favorites are photography, drawing and painting. I use art as a way to bridge the gap among people to help others realize that each of us are not that different from one another. My passion is investing in art students and enthusiasts, and seeing them blossom and create artworks that are visual representations of the questions they are asking and how they are growing in their lives. I then give them a platform for their work to be displayed in gallery openings and exhibitions. There they have the chance to share with others about their work and touch many others with their honest, heartfelt, genuine pieces.
I believe what sets me apart is my investment not only in the artists I work with but also in the communities I am involved in. I want there to be a tangible purpose in what I do and want all those I work with to feel authentically loved and cared for.
Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
There are a few women that have inspired me in life.
First, my mom has always been an inspiration because she has always encouraged me to continue pursuing my dreams in art, and she never backs down from a challenge. She has shown me how to tackle difficult things head-on and how to fight for what you believe in.
Second, my sister has inspired me to never take no for an answer. She is currently starting her own baking business and is crushing it.
Third, one of my friends I met in Spain, Allison, has been a huge inspiration to me as well. She has been traveling around the world living out her dream to help women and men find healing in their life through Holy Yoga and is hosting retreats around the globe!
And last, I’d also have to say the girls I went on the World Race with – Sara, Delaney, Kelsay, Jessica, Emily and Brittanee. They are all incredibly talented and encouraging women that always believed in me, and they are all making a significant impact in the world!
Contact Info:
- Website: kaliestier.com
- Email: kalie@kaliestier.com
- Instagram: kaliestierphotography
Image Credit:
Photos 1-6: Kalie Stier; Photo 7: Patrick Ng
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