Meet Kylie | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kylie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kylie, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
This question hits close to home because I’ve asked myself the same thing. Last year, during my first year of grad school, I found myself drowning in feedback coming from every direction, some of it hard to swallow. I remember one night, staring at a canvas that felt less like art and more like a mountain I couldn’t climb. It felt as if everything I was doing was just not good enough. I asked myself, “Do I really want this? Or is it time to give up?”

But creativity is woven into my bones. Whether through paint or words, expressing myself is as necessary as breathing. To stop would be like locking myself in a room, away from color and stories forever. I realized that I don’t have to be good enough for other people, I just needed to find the peace and confidence within myself.

You have to keep going when you know this is something you couldn’t live without. Just because it’s hard now doesn’t mean it will always be this way. And here’s the thing… it’s okay if you keep getting knocked down. What really matters is what you do when you get back up. That resilience, that willingness to try again, is what shapes your journey.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art began as a way to escape reality. When I was younger, I didn’t even realize art could be a serious career, I mean, who doesn’t dream of being Hannah Montana at some point, right? So, I took a different path for a while.

Now, as an MFA candidate, I’m fully immersed in developing my voice and technique, which has pushed me to grow both personally and professionally.

My work is colorful and sometimes heavily textured, which occasionally contrasts with the deeper, heavier themes I’m really exploring. Mental health is a huge part of my story, both because of my own struggles and because I’ve seen loved ones go through it. It’s not always easy to talk about, but I believe it’s important to shine a light on these issues, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Everyone faces challenges, some just hide them better than others. Battling depression and anxiety can be exhausting and isolating, sometimes even causing feelings of derealization and dissociation. On the surface, my art may look bright or even happy, but underneath, I’m addressing these difficult emotions, trying to do so with care to acknowledge the darkness without letting it overwhelm the piece.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to visit for a week, the trip would one hundred percent revolve around food. I love all kinds of food, so I’d make it my personal mission to take them somewhere different every day. No repeats!

Outside of my work, I spend a lot of time writing, reading, or doing simple things like binge-watching Pirates of the Caribbean or The Vampire Diaries (two very different moods, but both essential). Naturally, one of our first stops would be the Modern Art Museum, both in Dallas and Fort Worth, because nothing compares to seeing paintings in person that actually inspire me.

I’m still fairly new to the area, so part of the fun would be discovering new spots together. One night, we’d stay in and cook dinner at home because honestly, nothing beats a glass of wine and a home-cooked meal when you’re surrounded by people you love.

Bookstores would definitely be on the itinerary. Even if they’re not a big reader, I’d drag them along just to breathe in the scent of old pages and binding glue (it’s basically therapy). Depending on the season, we’d work in some kind of outdoor adventure too. But really, the most important part for me, no matter where I live, is just being together and making memories. That’s the best part of any trip.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I draw a lot of inspiration from the books I read, especially from authors like Rebecca Yarros, Sarah J. Maas, Ana Huang, and H.D. Carlton. They’re living proof that even if something doesn’t work out the first time, you keep going. Their careers are reminders that persistence matters and that the first “no” doesn’t mean the final one. Back in undergrad, one of my professors told me, “You’ll get rejected a hundred times before you get accepted once.” I’ve held onto that ever since. It’s a mindset that keeps me grounded, especially in creative fields where the path isn’t always clear. But on a personal level, my biggest shoutout goes to my mom. She’s always supported me in everything I take on, never once telling me I couldn’t do something. Not only has she always supported me, but she encourages me even on days when I wanted to give up. From buying me paint supplies when I was a little girl to attending my art gallery shows in other cities, I know I can always rely on her. That kind of love and support stays with you.

Instagram: @_slappingpaint

Image Credits
Photo of me: Colby Kohn
(Some) Photos of my work: Brighton