Today we’d like to introduce you to Akiane Kramarik.
Akiane, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I was born on July 9th, 1994 in a small rural village of northern Illinois. I grew up in a close and nurturing but very poor family. My dad was a cook from Chicago ghettos, and my mother —–an immigrant teacher from Lithuania. My entertainment was playing with my four brothers and self-educating. As a child I was only fascinated with real things–imaginary things never interested me. I was very shy and I rarely talked.
I would spend my days absorbing the world around me, studying and observing the facial gestures of people and feeling the textures of the trees, grass, and textiles. Interestingly, at times I would see vivid impressions of different worlds and peoples’ future. Gradually, the interest of recording my visions and inspirations grew. Through experimenting, I found out that art and poetry were the perfect mediums for me to portray what I felt.
At four I started expressing my love of art through drawing after waking up from my vivid dreams or intense visions. At six, I started experimenting with colors which became my foundation later in life. At seven, poetry became the pillar for my art. At eight, the media shared my story around the world which resulted in many shows including Oprah Winfrey Show. To date, I have participated in over one hundred charities across the globe, published two books of art and poetry (my 3rd book is to be released next year), traveled around the world, visiting and living in 30 countries and painting almost 200 pieces of work.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I do not wait for inspiration. Inspiration always waits for me. Anywhere and anytime.
Every painting has a different process, because the source of inspiration is always different. There is no specific step- by- step process for a painting.
But if the image requires a model, I would search for the distinctive features for the story. If it is a natural world, I will paint from my memory or travel sketches. If it is an unseen world, then I would try to tap into my visions or the universe libraries.
I paint diverse worlds, cultures and faiths beyond my own beliefs or views. I paint what I hear, see and touch without filters, limitations or borders. I see extraordinary things in this ordinary world, and I see ordinary things in this extraordinary world.
Art is the gateway to people’s true emotions. Art mimics our true soul. It takes on a physical form that invites viewers into a personal space letting them experience different worlds, different challenges and different triumphs.
Art has the ability to project ideas and poetry has the ability to articulate ideas. I’m honored that so many people have been moved or inspired by my writings and my art which lately have been part of my films such as PAINTING THE IMPOSSIBLE.
My mission is to use my art, my philosophy and my films to bring back hope and to inspire as many people as I can.
What advice would you give to other artists?
Creative people have one of the most responsible jobs in the world. My advice for other artists is to break free from the traditional social expectations and norms. Doing something unique and one of a kind paves the direction you need to take. And it means much effort and patience. Try doing what people don’t expect. Going against the tide is one of many hurdles a creative person must take. If for the first month after all your energy is invested in a project you do not feel any accomplishment, then it is a sign to start something even more innovative, something else, somewhere else, with some other perspective. Always get immersed in an environment that matters to you. Acknowledge yourself as a unique and extraordinary individual. Find someone that can support your project. Set up a designated time for creativity.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
People can view my works through my website(www.akiane.com), Facebook (akianeart), Instagram (akianeart), Youtube (Akiane Kramarik) and Twitter (akianeart).
I am so grateful when people support my mission through appreciation, encouragement, watching my short art films/documentaries/stories, purchasing my books and reproductions and adopting my originals into their own homes.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.akiane.com
- Phone: 208-712-4491
- Email: prints@akiane.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akianeart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akianeart
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/akianeart
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/user/akianeart
Image Credit:
Bernie Meyers (Photographer)
Ilia Kramarik (Photographer)
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
Karen Carder
June 27, 2018 at 6:08 pm
So grateful for all you are doing and shareing with the world…your light and love are shining throughout the whole universe.
David
July 3, 2018 at 4:46 am
💚 AKIANE 💚
Alisa
July 13, 2018 at 8:13 pm
She is such a beautiful artist! I love her work 🙂