Thanks for checking out TheColork – The artwork of Kyle Key. I took some time to sit down and answer a few questions to help you get to know me a little better. Of course all of these answers are subject to change as life goes on so keep checking back as the conversation evolves, and If you have a question you want to ask me, feel free to send me a note over on the contact page
When did you consider yourself a professional artist, and when were you able to dedicate yourself full-time to that pursuit?
I think I was in high school when I first realized I could be a professional artist, although I wouldn’t say I really pursued that way of life. I sold my first commissioned painting to a lady for her bathroom decoration project. It was a sloppy and awful business transaction, but I think that was when I realized that art could be my career. That was one of only a few paintings that I sold when I was younger. I mostly had my goals set on continuing my education. My plans was always to go to college, graduate with a major in fine art, and then pursue art professionally. I was very blessed to have a supportive family so that’s exactly what I did. I graduated from Asbury College, now Asbury University, in 2007 with a degree in fine art and a specialization in painting. I didn’t immediately pursue art full time though. For about three years after College I got an awesome job at Southland Christian Church as their Graphic Designer/ Brand Manager. I hasn’t been until recently that I have finally been able to dedicate myself to art full-time.
Is there one particular event that allowed you to do that?
I guess you could say there was somewhat of an event, but mostly my lovely wife is the one who has encouraged my to make art my full-time job. She is an amazing Physicians Assistant, and after graduating for the University of Kentucky, she got a great job offer with a Nephrologist in Athens, GA. This meant we had to move from our home in Kentucky, and with the fresh start, she has been extremely encouraging and supportive of my artistic career.
How long have you been in this studio?
Actually, just a few weeks. This is my fourth studio and my first that I actually own. We just bought our first house, and a quality studio space was one of our non-negotiable criteria.
So moving into a new studio, do you have a plan for the layout, or are you going to let it develop organically?
I have a general plan for how I want things to be arranged, but i have a feeling that the space will develop more organically over time. We got rid of a lot of things in our move, so I am actually looking forward to getting some new furniture and kind of starting from scratch again.
The studio is obviously a part of where you live; does that have an effect on your work?
Well, so far I would say this is a definite yes. All of my past studios have been apart from my home which makes it easier to separate work from home, but it also makes it harder to “go to work” when you don’t feel like it. I think having my studio as a part of my home is going to work out really well. The layout of our house allows for my studio to be somewhat isolated from the rest of the home which still gives me the feeling of “going to work.” I think the only down side I have noticed so far is that I am going to really have to schedule time to get out of the house. I really don’t want to turn into some kind of hermit, that cowers at the sight of the sun.
Do you listen to music or the radio or anything while you work?
In the past, I have always watched movies while I worked. Most people probably think that is weird, but when I say “watch” I really mean leave it playing in the background while I work. I think movies provide great background noise and conversations which is especially nice when you are working by yourself. It’s kind of like people are in your studio hanging out while you work, you just don’t have to talk to them, and you know exactly what they are going to say. If I don’t have a movie on, I will most likely play music. Most of the time it’s a Pandora station that I have made so I don’t have to worry a lot about what song to play next. I like that I can just pick a genre and tell it to “go.”
What kind of paint do you use?
I currently use a mix of professional grade acrylics. I’m not really bound to one brand because I like different colors that are offered by different brands. I have considered many times switching to oils, but right now I don’t feel the need to. I like the quick drying time of acrylics, the plasticity of the dried medium, and the ease of cleanup.
Do you have a favorite color?
That’s a tough question. I wouldn’t say there is one in particular. If there was, it would change a lot. I tend to fall in love with colors that I find around me and in nature. I might find a really awesome rust color one day, and then the next day get mesmerized by a great teal blue. When I do find a color that I love, I immediately start thinking of how I can make that color and use it in a painting.
Do you have any special devices or tools that are unique to your creative process?
Yes, kind of. Since I started painting, I have used old credit cards as my palette knifes, and they have become somewhat a signature part of my paintings. I still use brushes from time to time but I have really loved developing my use of cards. Sometimes, people even send me their old, expired cards. Don’t worry, I scratch out the magnetic strip on the back if they forgot to.
Are there any specific items in your studio that have significant meaning to you?
Not really, Most of the stuff in here is brand new. ask me agin in a year or two and I might have changed my mind.
Do you work on one project at a time or several?
I like to work on one project at a time, but there are the occasions when I’m just not liking the way the painting is going. I tend to set those paintings aside and will come back to them later. So I guess I work on several at a time but I try to direct my attention toward one piece.
When you are contemplating your work where and how do you sit or stand?
I do a lot of standing and head tilting. I don’t really sit a lot when I work, I’m not really even sure how that would work. I always feel like I need to move around while working and If I’m sitting I feel like i’m taking a break.
How do you come up with the titles?
That, I think, is the hardest part of completing a piece.
Do you have assistants?
No
Did you ever work for or with another artist, and if so, did that have an effect on your work?
Not yet, but I think collaboration is a great way to grow and innovate. I would love to work with anyone interested in teaming up.
Do you have a motto or creed that as an artist you live by?
Nothing official, but I have been playing around with the phrase “Explore & Create.” I think it is a simple summary of my passion for the outdoors, exploring new places, and then documenting those memories and moments in a creative way. I wouldn’t say I live by that motto, but I like the way it sounds right now.
