Visual Artist Spotlight: Windy Kai

Q1.) When did you decide to become an artist?

A1. I think I’ve been an artist since the womb…I can’t remember a time when I didn’t want to create SOMETHING…whether it was bracelets in elementary school, drawings in middle school, photography in High School and finally painting, pottery, printing, writing stories and any other media I could get my hands on in College.

Q2.) When, if at all, did you realize that God had called you to be an artist?

A2. Five years ago I was very private about my art and only worked in solitude. No one knew I was an artist, only that I was the “creative one” to go to if you had a project. So I was asked to enter an art contest for the faculty of the school I worked with. The response to my entry was overwhelming and I knew after that night that my days of teaching anything but Art were over. I had a degree in Art and I immediately applied for every art position I could get and began sending out my work to galleries and art fairs. I had no doubt that God wanted me creating. After all the saying goes…”The opposite of War isn’t peace…it’s creation.” So I knew the only way I could give back to the world was creating.

I got a job teaching 7th and 8th grade art, started my website and blog and have been doing festivals and gallery shows ever since. He has provided many great opportunities for me and although I may not be “famous” enough to quit my job and be and artist full time I have no doubt he will bring that time to me soon. I have absolute rock solid faith in that.

Q3.) Where did you receive your training?

A3. Angelo State University has phenomenal Education and Art programs. I was lucky enough to benefit from them both. I also continue to take every art class I can get my hands on in the Dallas Ft. Worth Area.

Q4.) How did your training influence what you’re doing now?

A4. My training on provided a foundation of knowledge but honestly I think the work I do now is coming more from inspiration than training. I’m very big on experimenting and that leads to most of my work. I never know where a painting is going to go when I begin. I just start and although I always say my Muses take over I think we all know that’s just synonymous for our creative Angels!!

Q5.)Please describe your art style and medium and why you chose that particular one (or how God influenced this choice).

A5. Like I said above I’m a mixed media artist and experimentation is everything to me. I’m very abstract in my work and always looking for something new…. I think I pretty much answered this question above  I never know where a painting is going when I start…God just takes over my hands and my supplies. It’s all Him…I can’t really take credit.

Q6.) What do you do or use to keep yourself inspired for your art work?

A6.I do a lot of reading about my art, other artists other styles and techniques. I keep myself very well educated with professional development classes that constantly keep me challenged with new ideas and styles.

I’m very inspired by the memory of my Grandmother. She love hummingbirds and that’s why they show up so frequently in my work and why my business is called Hummingbird Studios. I believe she has a hand in every piece I do.

I’m also very inspired by vintage photos. I love the idea of a person being carried on in my art, although I never knew them…they know from up above that their picture and therefore their story, is being used and I love to honor them.

Q7.)In what ways do you incorporate God into your work?

A7. I do many works that include imagery of specifically Mother Mary but also of many different World religions. I have one piece called Many Paths that is a collage of any and every religion and their symbology. I think God can be found in many places and in many forms and although I’m Christian I respect my brothers and sisters who have found God in other forms.

Q8.) Is there a class or offer that you would like to share with my readers?

A8. I’m working on a transfer class that will be done through my blog and new website that’s coming up in March. I invite your readers and my brothers and sisters to follow my blog at http://www.windykai.wordpress.com/ for further details coming soon.

Q9.) Any final thoughts about sharing your art work with my blog readers?

A9. I’m always thrilled to share about my work because the more we put out there the more we receive. I love finding out about other’s artwork so I always want to share and do my part in the great cycle of things. I can’t wait to read about your other artists and hope my words have something that will stick with at least one artist. I thank God everyday for the gift he’s given me, so it’s my job to share it.

ARTIST BIO: Windy Kai