A couple of months ago, we introduced you to Ashlea Kiiing, the creative maker behind Kiiing Creations’ nature and color-inspired mixed media art. Today, we’re diving a little deeper into the process that results in inspiring art that celebrates Black beauty. One thing’s for sure… this behind the scenes will have you saying Yasss Queen!
Hi Ashlea! Thanks so much for taking us behind the scenes of Kiiing Creations! Where do you find inspiration for your art?
My biggest inspirations are my culture, nature and life experiences.
Wonderful! We love the art you create! Do you plan for months before creating a new product, or do you create spontaneously?
It depends. I always have an accumulating list of ideas that I am adding to consistently, but I do not have a time frame of when I am going to create those pieces and/or collections unless it is specifically being created as a holiday item and/or it’s a project for a client or exhibit.
We can definitely relate to those never-ending lists of creative ideas! Can you please walk us through a step-by-step process for creating your product?
My process looks different depending on the medium I use to create a piece. For my mixed media pieces, I always work with watercolor first and then add the additional materials to the artwork afterwards. Whereas, my digital pieces are created on my iPad.
That’s great! No matter the medium, we always love your finished product! What does a typical day look like for you?
Every day is different for me. I work as an art curator part-time. The rest of the time, I take care of my daughter while also juggling the responsibilities of my business. I am a planner so I always have a plan as to what I want to accomplish each day, but my days do not necessarily start off the same way. I typically switch things up so I do not get too stuck into a “daily routine” because I do get bored easily if each day starts and ends the same way.
Agreed! Change is the greatest source of creative inspiration! Who’s the first person you show when you create a new piece?
My mom. She is my biggest support and best friend!
How wonderful! We love sneak peeks! Can you let us in on any future products we can look forward to seeing on the shelves?
As of now, I am not sure what my next piece will be; but I am excited to explore and learn new techniques that I can apply to my future artworks!
We can’t wait to see where your creativity takes you next! We are so grateful that you’re a part of the Mosaic Makers Collective community!
Want to learn more about our makers or shop Kiiing Creation's? Check out these additional resources:
- Visit our shop in the Bishop Arts District
- Shop Kiiing Creation's online
- Go Behind the Scenes with more of our Mosaic Makers on the Blog