Want to know who I am or how I feel about anything? My views? My sense of humor? Check out my products. Look at my paintings. Flip through a deck. I don’t believe you can separate the art from the artist unless you view art as a meaningless commodity. Art is (or should be IMO) a representation of experiences, perspectives and beliefs of the creator. Many people refer to their creations as their “babies” - wouldn’t the offspring bear some resemblance to the parent? As we become more conscious about where we spend our money, time and who we support, I believe the same should be considered regarding the art we consume. If it does not reflect the artist, why is that? Is the work solely for profit? Is the artist not being clear on who they are? Do they even know…or care? Art is powerful and to use that power in a moral and productive way it should be based in authenticity. To provide an example, here are some things about me that I believe are pretty clear through my art:
Humor is my thing. I live for wit. Especially using humor to bring things to light and make people think. It’s healing and can take the edge off. It’s how I make sense of the world and keep my sanity. Most people would rather not address capitalism, health insurance, unemployment, climate change, student loan debt, etc. until it affects them. I put these topics on cards for more visibility to issues many of us face. Sometimes you really do have to laugh to keep from crying.
My brand of spirituality is love, light and let’s be f***ing for real. As a Black woman I would be delusional if I glossed over the injustices I constantly see and experience. Yes, we are spiritual beings, but I am very much human too. Love and light alone does not lead to change and transformation. Truth can.
I highlight Black culture and think representation is important. It’s a huge part of American culture that usually goes uncredited or stolen/copied and repackaged.
I’m out of the box and like it that way. I don’t really pay attention to what anybody else is doing. I make what I want and follow where my curiosity leads me even if it doesn’t make sense to others. There are no limits.
I’m a walking positive affirmation. I have empathy. I choose happiness and have strong boundaries. Imagine if I was miserable and spewed negativity on the daily. Would you buy my affirmations decks? I hope not.
I can go on and on, but you get the gist. I believe the discussion of separating the art from the artist has a lot to do with not holding those who create the art accountable for who they are as a person. The expectation, at least for me, is not for anyone to be perfect, but to be a decent human understanding that humans are imperfect. That should be a requirement to gain my financial and/or emotional support. To me, it’s very similar to where we see politics going and what is happening with retailers. Excusing ones lack of morality and contradictions because they have money. Not holding people accountable due to personal gain, etc.
I’m not here to judge the music people listen or the art they choose to consume, but I am here to bring about critical thinking and examining the ways we choose not to think too deep to avoid uncomfortable conversations. Honestly, I just want people to actually think.
With all that being said, I can proudly say I am my art and my art is me.
My work can be found at: kaleidadope.com & krystalbanner.com along with hundreds of retailers in the US and abroad.