Meet Kendra Iglesias of Gray Street Studio in Westminster

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendra Iglesias.

Kendra, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
It was around this time last year when I discovered alcohol inks; their flowing nature fascinated me. However, alcohol inks can be a difficult medium to control as they often pool or run in unexpected ways. Learning to wrangle the inks became an enjoyable challenge. After learning the basics, my focus became daily creation and sharing my progress on Instagram. My work was well received which buoyed my confidence and helped me to remain consistent. From there, I slowly began learning the business side of things; participating in my first market, creating my first commission pieces and practicing saying those three little words. I’m talking about saying “I’m an artist.” Out loud. In front of other people.

In February, I traded my full-time job in banking for part time work in a local photography studio. Just one month later we were in the middle of a full-blown pandemic. Now, even though things feel uncertain, I am happy with my decision to invest in myself.

Has it been a smooth road?
My biggest obstacle has always been myself. I have waited my whole life for some unknown force to bless me and allow me to go after the things that I want. Over the years I’ve had many ideas and passions, but never had the courage to wholeheartedly chase after them. I have always listened to the rejections; and internalized the thought that I wasn’t good enough.

When someone purchased my artwork for the first time, I began to question my internal narrative. What if I’d been wrong about myself? I began to see and appreciate my abilities as well as the abilities of others. It’s difficult to explain the transformation that took place from then until now, but I can tell you that creating has granted me a confidence that I have never had before; which in turn, has allowed me to connect with some wonderful people.

Please tell us about your work.
Gray Street Studio specializes in vibrant, flowing abstract artwork. I am most well-known my alcohol ink works on paper which is what I share on Instagram. Most of my clients have found me through this channel, with requests for larger scale, custom pieces. Like most new artists, my style is ever evolving and I am currently enjoying some experiments with mixed media. My goal is to provide unique works and an unpretentious buying experience for my collectors. Art is for everyone. We are meant to enjoy it and allow it to be a part of our daily lives.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I enjoy the quiet setting of my neighborhood and the park nearby that offers a chance to stretch my legs and take a break from the studio. This is especially important now that we have been following the shelter in place orders. Some of the things I have been missing are taking a hike in Boulder; followed by rooftop margaritas at Rio! Although Boulder is a headache to drive through, I love visiting for a yummy meal.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.graystreet-studio.com
• Email: graystreet.art@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graystreet.studio

Image Credit:
Kylie Weglo, Kendra Iglesias

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