they’re sharing stories from their past or telling me about a new location to explore. The  land is hardwired into our cultural heritage and can serve as a point of connection between complete strangers.

sM | What inspiration do you get from artists around you?

KK ── The work of other artists is essential to cultivating new ideas. I am constantly looking at other peoples’ art, whether in person or on Instagram, and it undoubtedly drags my own work in unexpected directions. Artists do not create in a vacuum! Everyone steals from everyone else, from simple colors to overarching ideas. I’m always searching for new ways to approach a painting; I source a lot of my techniques and processes from other artists. It’s almost impossible for me to not paint more like van Gogh while being constantly confronted by larger than life imagery of his paintings!

sM | What is your takeaway from the experience of working in-studio at Immersive Van Gogh Cleveland?

KK ── This has been an eye-opening experience. The sheer number of eyes that have been laid on my work is astounding. Just having the ability to sit and talk with strangers about art and their experiences with it is soul-cleansing. I have had the opportunity to not only share my knowledge with others but to learn from them as well. So many people, especially other artists, are more than willing to offer advice and support. It has changed me for the better and shown me just how open and engaging people can be.