In the Studio with Artist Kayla Williams

Today, we’re going In the Studio with artist Kayla Williams. Kayla’s artwork is currently on display in the Chesapeake Arts Center’s Her Ideas, Her Stories: Women Artists Gallery exhibit.

Vibrant and outgoing, Kayla Williams’ artwork is a playful combination of clean, fine lines, and a vivid color palette. As a Printmaker and Illustrator, she utilizes her skills to produce prints and clothing with her iconic graphics. William’s derives some of her inspiration from living near Baltimore, but her work ranges from ‘cute to creepy, to fun and nostalgic’. Her artwork has a flash-like, Pop Art feel with a burst of pop culture that makes them beg to be displayed.

Here’s Kayla talking about her art, process and experience... 

How would you describe your style of work?

This is a tough question! My style is very much my own, with subtle influences of Pop Art and Albrecht Durer integrated. 

Tell me about your favorite medium.

I love many printmaking processes, but lithographs are my top favorite! 

What characteristic(s) about your personality shows through your art?

Defiance and stubbornness. I enjoy making art that the viewer can interpret, through their own perspective, but might also cause them to question their original viewpoint. 

Where are you from and how does that affect your work?

I live close to Baltimore, and much of my work has been influenced by John Waters and queer culture. I had to travel to be able to use a print studio, but now I am lucky to be able to have my studio close to home. 

How have your life experiences influenced your aesthetic style?

It’s taken a long time to find my specific style, but most is influenced through personal experiences as a feminist.

What's your biggest barrier to being a female artist? How do you address it?

Growing up, much of the artists and teachers of it were male dominated. There weren’t many women artists to be able to grow and learn from, so I wanted to change that and show women we’re just as great as them. 

Do you think there’s a double standard in the industry?

Yes, especially to people of color.

Do your works comment on contemporary social or political issues; if so, how?

They do, though not currently shown in the gallery. Some of my works convey awareness of LGBTQIA+ people and their successes and struggles throughout life.

What are your biggest motivations?

My family, friends and beyond all else my daughter. It’s been amazing to see her artwork, and it motivates me to continue to keep creating. 

How do you market yourself and your work?

Marketing is something that doesn’t come naturally to me, but I try to make good use of social media to share both my artistic process and my finished works.

When you are working through problems in your work, who do you talk to?

My spouse and my dogs, though the dogs never seem to answer back!

What are you working on at the moment?

I’m currently working on more lithographs and other printmaking processes. 

Is there a specific environment or material that's integral to your work?

Much of my work starts out digitally, so my iPad and laptop are very important for the beginning of my process. To printmaking, I have 3 different printing presses to make my art come to life.

What did you have to develop, try or learn to create your artwork?

Time, practice, and the hardest, trying to not be a perfectionist. 

How do you prepare to start a new piece? (do you have a ritual, do research, sketch it out, talk it out…)

I try to sketch out all my ideas and then select which ideas are best to continue working on.

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

He has passed, but Andy Warhol would have been my first, but I would love to collaborate with John Waters!

What’s the best thing about being an artist?

I grew up around my dad and uncle (his brother) who were artists, and it influenced me immensely. It feels so great to be able to sketch, paint, print anything that comes straight from my mind right down to the final product, and feel so accomplished. Art is an important thing in this world, even the ones that go unnoticed. 

For more information on Kayla and her artwork, check her out on instagram or on her website.

Hal Gomer Gallery Hours: 

Monday-Thursday 10:00am-6:00pm

Saturday 10am-1pm ( starting on January 15, 2022)

*Visitors are required to call ahead to reserve a time to view the exhibit. Please call CAC’s main office at 410-636-6597 during our business hours Monday - Thursday, 10:00 am-6:00pm to reserve a date and time. Visitors will be checked in upon arrival and masks are required to enter the gallery and CAC building.