Kimlayn Cultured Art & Design
ABOUT KIMLAYN
As a self taught artist, my desire to design and paint has been a key part of my life from which I am able to draw from various passions to combine my skills and create original pieces. My work has spanned collaborations with businesses and entrepreneurs culminating in representing their visions through branding and logos, creating original art pieces on canvas and apparel, as well as customized art through customer requests.
My bold acrylic portraits, one of kind accessories, and wardrobe pieces have been showcased in various art and runway shows domestically and collected, worn and revered by enthusiasts and musical artists internationally.
Who inspires you in your area of expertise?
Spending my early childhood in Jamaica has engrained in me a love of people. I've always been interested in learning about our history and the history of other cultures to create something timeless to be a visual keepsake.
Picasso's cubism and the spontaneous style of Voka are few of my influences when it comes to style on canvas. My signature style of broken geometric pieces represents the cultural diversity in the world that makes us who we are.
What are significant obstacles in your industry as an urban creative? How have you been able to push through these obstacles in your industry?
Initially the actual word "urban" was taboo and undervalued. Sometimes the fear of not being accepted and being labeled can negatively influence creatives. Urban creatives were not widely accepted when I began designing and still not so easily today, so some of us don't always put out the things we truly want.
Time and experience (good and bad) has helped me to push through the fear of fitting in. Today my work has become bolder and more representative of our culture with no apologies. It doesn't always get accepted in every show or gallery but that does not and never will depreciate the work.
Share a great moment or accomplishment in your career?
I've had several moments I hold dear to me that I've experienced through my career. While living in Los Angeles, I was commissioned by a talented actress to create a portrait of her best friend's mother as a surprise gift. I painted every detail in my signature style and added sparkling resin for the first time. The woman was gorgeous. I had to do it justice and make in glamorous. During the process I had no knowledge of the circumstances or that her mother was no longer alive. The day I delivered it I found out her mother's life tragically ended a few years earlier. The portrait brought so much joy and so many tears that in a single moment it confirmed my purpose. She said it was the greatest gift she'd received besides life itself. I don't think anything tops that for me.
What advice would you give to an aspiring creative who wants to thrive in your industry?
Find your own voice in this creative world. It's easy to get lost and get consumed comparing yourself to other artists. One thing I believe may help is filtering what you follow on social media. If you can take away the inspiration without the comparison then you've won. If it becomes a struggle, try following the actual things that inspire you and not the actual people. Urbanhistorian is one of my favs.
ADDITIONAL LINKS
Email info@kimlayn.com
Website www.kimlayn.com
Instagram @kimlayn_art
Twitter @artistkimlayn
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