Today we’d like to introduce you to KC Christmas.
Hi KC, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have been making art of some kind ever since I was little. I was lucky enough to have supportive parents who encouraged me to pursue this passion so I took many art classes growing up. When I arrived at college, I started off as art education, but eventually graduated with a degree in studio art.
While I loved making art, I did not think I was good enough to make a living out of it. My then-boyfriend at the time (now husband) encouraged me to open an Etsy shop and to see what happens. Since then, my work has been in multiple shows, homes, galleries, and magazines around the world.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There have been a few bumps in my artistic journey, but I like to think it helped me grow as a person and as an artist. Self-doubt is one of the biggest struggles I have faced so far. In a visual medium, it is easy to compare yourself to others. Add in social media and you feel pressure to constantly make something totally unique. Whenever I feel self-doubt creeping in, I distance myself from social media and other pressures and return to what brings me joy.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As an overarching theme, I like to tell people that my work is taking the old and creating something new.
The mediums I specialize in are acrylic paintings and mixed media collage. While I have worked in a large range of subject matters, I am most known for floral art and snarky takes on art history. Art history is a huge inspiration in my work and you can find it in my use of floral symbolism, my snarky takes on portraiture, and sometimes images cut directly from art history textbooks and glued into my collages.
There are many individual pieces I look at and gleam with pride, but I think what I am most proud of is the same thing that sets me apart – my perspective. My work deals with both humorous and personal topics and yet there is a balance to each topic. Moments that truly make me burst with pride is when someone says they saw one of my pieces from afar, immediately knew it was mine and had an emotional connection with it. That kind of instant recognition is wonderful for an artist and if others can connect with your work, it’s one of the best feelings in the world.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
I wish someone had told me that you could make work you love and still make a living. That may sound really simple, but I know many other artists who struggle with this as well.
Beginning artists tend to go between “if I make this popular thing, I will make money” or “I love making this, but I won’t make any money from it.” Don’t get caught up with that. There are so many niches out there that as long as you market well, you will find your support and collectors.
Contact Info:
- Email: christmaskc2@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.kcchristmas.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kc.christmas/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kcchristmasart
Image Credits
Mastercraft+ Donya Babcock
Katrina Piercy
