In the Studio with Maryland Artist Kianna Wilson
Today, we’re going In the Studio with Maryland artist Kianna Wilson. Kianna’s artwork is currently on display in the Chesapeake Arts Center’s Our Maryland Gallery exhibit.
Kianna Wilson is a Baltimore-based photographer specializing in portrait and lifestyle photography. Her imagery is bold, often saturated with color and extremely expressive. Her work has been featured in local publications including the Baltimore Sun. Though Kianna has been creating since she was in high school, she took a giant leap forward in 2016 when she began Major Ki Photography. Her body of work consists largely of striking portraits from individuals, to weddings, maternity to other big life events. Kianna’s keen photographic eye has also captured fast paced sporting events, thrilling concert photography and some highly moving protest moments here in Baltimore.
Here’s Kianna talking about her art, process and experience...
What art do you most identify with? Photography
When did you realize you were an artist? When one of my photos made someone cry. (The goal is to feel emotion)
How did you get into your art/side-gig? It started in high school. Photography was my focus and I took photography classes for my junior and senior year. (2009-2011) And then my freshman year of college. (2011-2012) Then I paused for a few years, picked it up again in 2016 and haven’t put my camera down since.
What are you currently working on? Currently trying to get more into concert photography and portrait photography.
What's your favorite piece of artwork that you have created and why? This photo meant so much to me and others once I took it. To have experienced that day in general was unbelievable. It’s important for messages like this to get seen in the world due to how it’s reality. It’s real life. People are feeling like this everyday. I didn’t want someone to continue to feel silenced so I shared it with the world.
What food, drink, song inspires you? Burgers are my favorite food. There’s layers to them. And with every layer is a bit of happiness.
And for a song, don’t laugh but The Climb by Miley Cyrus will always be inspirational. The song alone is a message to always get through every obstacle in life. I will scream that song from the top of my lungs every time.
What memorable responses have you had to your work? My work has been in the Baltimore Sun which brought so much opportunity to me. Which brought me to taking photos for an exhibit at Motor House Baltimore. All responses were positive which brought me so much joy.
What work do you most enjoy creating? I enjoy everything I create because it allows my clients to bring me ideas which I get to bring to life.
What’s your favorite quote? “It is what it is”
What role does the artist have in society? We’re creatives. We create what brings people’s emotions out. We’re storytellers. We have a big role to continue to create.
What’s your dream job? Personal celebrity photographer
Is there any local artist that Inspires you? If so, who and why? Sean Dackermann!! Why? Because he’s been one of my fav mentors, friends, creatives. That man creates the most beautiful work. If it’s product photography or portraits or concert photography, he succeeds every time. He’s been doing this for years. He’s an OG to the Baltimore Photography scene and I appreciate everything he’s done to help me.
Why art? Why not? Art makes the world better. It allows you to think, feel, see, touch. It takes you outside of the box and I always think that’s important.
For more information on Kianna and her exciting photographs, check her out on Instagram and Facebook @majorkiphotography or her website at www.majorkiphotography.com.
