Today we’d like to introduce you to Kailyn Perry.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I grew up outside of Boston and graduated from Massachusetts College of Art and Design in 2013 with a bfa in Painting and Art History. After school, I knew I wanted to move to a different city. I settled on Chicago because it seemed like a great place for younger emerging artists. When I moved here, I didn’t know anyone but found an art studio at Autotelic Studios in Logan Square (Now named Nightlight Studios). The art scene here is a little hard to break into if you didn’t attend Columbia or SAIC but finding a community like Autotelic really helped. Getting settled after earning a degree in art isn’t easy, but eventually I found a job and started making friends and connections. What is unique about Chicago is that it’s a city that is a great environment for younger artists, there is an amazing history of DIY spaces carried on through a lot of the apartment galleries and non-profits that you can find in Pilsen and the West Side. I wasn’t always making work that I loved, but eventually felt confident enough to show and have had the opportunity to show at some supportive spaces like; Friendzone, baby blue gallery, and Andrew Rafacz.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I don’t think it’s ever a smooth road for someone in the arts, but that makes it interesting. Most people in their careers just have that and their personal life to focus on. Artists have to find a way to make money, balance a social life, but also get enough time in the studio to make work. Finding that balance can be difficult, and producing something in that time that you feel proud of can prove to be even harder. Even when I am not confident in what I am producing, I make time to go to studio anyway. I try to see as many shows as possible, meet as many artists, and have studio visits with people whose work I admire.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I make oil paintings that investigate identity through a spectrum of different experiences. The works are packed with painterly effects and layered with meaning, while also putting a huge emphasis on color and pattern. They are scenes of ordinary life, and often reference my favorites from the history of art such as; David Park, Matisse, Pierre Bonnard, Dana Schutz, Nicole Eisenman, and David Hockney (to name a few).
What were you like growing up?
I grew up outside of Boston on the North Shore of Massachusetts. Originally I was really into comic books and drawing. It wasn’t until I saw a Van Gogh painting exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts when I was in grade school that I really got into painting. I became obsessed with the history of art, specifically the impressionists.
Contact Info:
- Website: Kailyn-Perry.com
- Email: KailynMperry@gmail.com
- Instagram: KaimPerry
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