Meet Kayla Wheat

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Wheat.

Kayla, before we jump into specific questions about your work, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
As a kid, I wanted to be “an artist” when I grew up, and I can’t remember a time that I wasn’t creating something. I’ve always enjoyed making things, be it sewing, writing, painting or drawing–but it wasn’t really until became an art teacher in my mid-twenties that I started infusing purpose into my artistic philosophy. That sounds silly, but I guess before, I was making stuff just to make stuff, and hadn’t realized that there was a deep need within myself, to create for my well-being.

I remember very early in my career, I was preparing my classroom–cleaning and organizing, and I found a crumpled up piece of paper in the back of a drawer. On it was written, “What of Beauty and Value can I Bring to this Situation?” It’s been sort of my mantra ever since, and helps keep me grounded within my artistic practice. It keeps me moving in the direction of creating the beauty that is valuable to me.

Has it been a smooth road?
I’ve grappled with my identity as a creative several times in my short career. Although every artist knows that comparison equals creative death, it’s difficult nonetheless to find an artistic identity that hasn’t already been rendered by someone else, especially in a world where innovation is sought-after. That little mantra helps remind me that I do what I do out of passion and purpose–a very personal need to create. The road hasn’t always been smooth, but overcoming challenges–creatively or otherwise, can only give me more artistic fuel.

Please tell us about your work.
K. Wheat Fine Art is best known for ethereal abstract oil paintings and non-representational mixed-media pieces. I also dabble in photorealistic charcoal portraiture. Through my eyes, the portraits exist in stark contrast to the abstract paintings. Together, they depict two halves of my “self”– detail oriented, perfectionistic, black and white vs. colorful, free, spontaneous, end-result notwithstanding.

If you’re looking for artistic catharsis, look no further!

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
My favorite part of Denver is its support of its creative community. Denver is full of visual artists, musicians, actors, dancers, writers, chefs, and does much to exhibit these talents. As an outdoor enthusiast, I also love Denver’s proximity to the mountains. As a lifelong Colorado resident, I have witnessed an influx of people moving to Denver and surrounding areas. The parking situation within the city limits is pretty terrible, and the public transit system also leaves a lot to be desired. While I completely understand the appeal of living in Denver, the amount of people/cars has surpassed the capability of the city’s infrastructure.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.swheatart.com
• Email: kaylachalk@gmail.com
• Instagram: swheat_art

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