Meet Kaila Spencer

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaila Spencer.

Kaila, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I grew up in Boulder and started drawing as a child. My interest in art continued all through school until I decided to study Printmaking in college at the University of Colorado. After graduating, I had lost a lot of the drive and passion for pursuing art. That is until 2017 when I decided to move to Australia. It was there, in Byron Bay, amongst the wild birds and in between scuba diving outings, I discovered painting and a newfound inspiration to create. Being immersed in nature, around such amazing wildlife was the catalyst for defining my creative mission. After a year, I left Australia and wandered around South East Asia for a few months, which further cultivated my aesthetic ideas. Much of my work is inspired by the architecture and art of Thailand, Cambodia, and Bali.

Eventually, I returned to Colorado. My love of Photoshop, Illustrator, and web development lead me to launch an online print shop so that now I was able to share my art with the world from my beautiful home in Denver. I provide affordable, high-quality prints online and take commissions for all kinds of art, including paintings and digital work. I still enjoy drawing and have fallen in love with using charcoal and natural watercolors together. These materials make feel like I am connecting with all the elements of the earth in the process. My charcoal drawings are a deep meditation with nature.

Live painting is one of my favorite things to do in Denver. The community here is so supportive and inspiring, and getting to meet new people and talk about art is why I love the scene. I hope my art can help remind people how beautiful, strange, and psychedelic our planet and her creatures can be; that we are all part of one being and that we should, at all times, love and celebrate each other.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
As much as I loved making art, I was always told by various people around me that it would never amount to more than a hobby. I tried to focus on my grades outside of art class, and on making money as a waitress, but I was never able to really focus on anything besides creating visual art. I was diagnosed with so many learning disabilities I lost track. In a society that often values high test scores over creative expression, pushing myself away from my artistic calling to pursue a “safer” career left me feeling lost and empty. I spiraled downward and was barely creating for several years until I decided to move abroad. It took getting rid of all my things and experiencing a new perspective to help me realize that I totally had permission to ignore every person who had ever told me that I should not be making art because it would never get me anywhere. I spent years struggling through school and life feeling lost, confused, and uninspired but once I finally allowed myself to just do what I loved, the inspiration and opportunity has never stopped.

We’d love to hear more about your art.
I sell original artwork and prints of my art online. I also take commissions for designs, logos, custom paintings, and more. I am known for vibrant images that promote an eco-friendly and earth positive atmosphere for the home or elsewhere, featuring botanical details, psychedelic animals, and cosmic skies. As a company, I try to give back to causes that inspire me. I donate the profits from several of my best selling prints to relevant charities around the world. For example, the profits from sales of my Kookaburra prints are donated to an organization that assists in the care of wildlife affected by the devastating bush fires in Australia.

I think my business is set apart because so many people discover it through events where I am live painting and they can meet me and watch me work and then go online to purchase a print or arrange a commission. The connection and experience make people passionate about the business.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was quiet, liked being by myself, and was mostly interested in drawing and animals. I spent a lot of time playing outside alone. I was lucky to grow up in Boulder, spending my days outdoors and in the mountains. My passion for the protection of the planet and wildlife started young.

I had no interest in school whatsoever and failed to perform in every class except for the art class. Middle school and high school were a struggle and I became increasingly rebellious and started getting into trouble and spending time with the wrong people. It wasn’t until college, where I was able to focus more on art that I finally began to enjoy school and pursue more positive interests. I had always been creative and a bit different from other kids so my current career path seems very fitting.

Pricing:

• Gallery quality posters starting at $15

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kailaspencer.com/
• Email: kailaspencerart@gmail.com

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