Meet Kindra W

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kindra W.

Kindra, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have this habit of wanting to help. This urge to be of service is reflected in my professional and personal life, likely to the point of over-doing it. That’s what happens when you major in Psychology and minor in Gender Studies as an eager teenager ready to “help” the world.

One day, I asked myself, “If the world was ‘fixed’ — all social problems are solved, no one goes hungry, corruption is non-existent–what would I do with my life?”. Immediately, my mind reached back to the crevices of childhood dreams and scooped up memories of painting, writing, drawing, and taking pictures. Before I ever understood the needs in the world, I wanted to be an artist. So, I did what any shy, budding artist would do and applied for a studio at the Downtown Artery–where the Fort Collins public could check out my constantly evolving amateur-hour paintings and photos, and maybe even buy something to support the local scene. And, strangely enough, I got in!

Ironically, as I began to dive into the local FoCo art scene, I quickly realized I could use this new platform to speak to local issues and as I gained more publicity (https://collegian.com/2018/09/downtown-artery-yart-sale-builds-art-community-with-local-artists, for example), I’ve been able to connect with and volunteer with organizations that match my values. As I participated in.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It took me three weeks to adequately write and supply materials for this article because I am notoriously bad about speaking to my art. While I’ve published poetry and old art pieces in the past (notably, one of my photographs is featured in The Lyric’s first Aspect: Ratio art zine), I’ve always had a problem with overthinking how I want to present my creativity to the world. So, once I secured an Artery spot and fully dove into the visual arts, I let my thinking go entirely and paint what I feel in the moment.

Even with my hands-off, heart-on attitude, there have been obstacles throughout my semi-public art ‘career.’ Despite many applications, I haven’t been approved to paint a Fort Collins piano or transformer cabinet (yet–there’s always 2021!), and the shuttering of the Downtown Artery’s music venue in late 2019 resulted in my decision to move my studio into my home–losing out on free monthly studio tours and opportunities to hang my art in the Artist’s Hall. But I’ve been incredibly lucky to connect with many local Coloradoan artists, performers, and musicians through my various art show opportunities, and despite mostly creating at home (especially during COVID-19), I feel more seen than ever before.

We’d love to hear more about your art.
I’m a local creative that occasionally pops up at a YART Sale or a group art show, and I enjoy having the freedom to weave in and out of the scene as my time allows. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I’ve found grounding by utilizing my Instagram (@artbykindra) to express my feelings and perspectives on how our country is responding. It’s an opportune time to observe the world, and I’m grateful to be able to speak to it in my own voice.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Places that have shown/sold my art: Museum of Art Fort Collins (Masks Fundrasier 2019 + 2020), Downtown Artery, Oak Street Mall/Flamingo Boutique, Wolverine Farm, Magnetic Gallery, Fort Collins Lincoln Center, Fort Collins Downtown Creative District, Carnegie Center for Creativity, Fort Collins Habitat for Humanity, Media that has written about me/worked with me: Rocky Mountain Collegian, SALT Magazine, North Forty News. People that have hosted live art shows I participated in: Maxwell Tretter (Make More Art live painting competitions, 2018), Mountainside Events + Dutelle Events (live body-painting shows, 2019 + 2019). Collaborations: Mike McPuff, Sirens of the North aerialists.

 Contact Info:

• Email: artbykindra@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artbykindra
• Other: http://www.dfccd.org/connect-with-a-creative/artbykindra/

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