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KC Christmas is a contemporary painter and collage artist living and working in South Carolina. Known for her unique interpretations of florals, she takes inspiration from the Old Masters of art history and combines them with current, relevant topics. Her work explores the depth of human emotion and complexity - from snarky humor to meditative worship.
Published on March 2nd, 2026. Artist responses collected in months previous.
Was pursuing your creative work a calling for you? How do you define calling within your practice? Share a concise definition and a moment when this felt most true.
Yes. I've always felt the need to make, whether it be small drawings or large altarpieces. I remember a teacher of mine describe this calling as "if I don't make, I will explode," and that's how I view it. It doesn't have to be big work or mind-blowing work. With two little kids, I'm in a stage where I can't dedicate lots of time to huge work. However, I can't picture myself doing anything different. I've been given a creative gift. It is a calling and I must answer.
What does a successful career in the arts look like to you today? Describe how you measure success now and note any shifts from earlier in your career.
I used to think a successful career meant multiple shows a year or a sold out collection. Success could only be measured by how many wins you had and could list on your CV. Today, I measure success by trying a new idea or a new technique. With limited studio time, I see success as completing something. I'll admit I still struggle by not being defined by my achievements in art. But I tell myself the fact that I'm still showing up in the studio and still dedicating time for the work is success.
How are you kind to yourself in your art practice? (Include one or two concrete examples such as boundaries, rest, or studio routines.)
Shutting the door. My art studio used to be in our studio apartment and I could see unfinished work all the time. It was a helpful creative tease sometimes, but it was mostly an unhealthy relationship with always wanting to work. Now that we've moved and my studio has moved into a spare bedroom, I have a better boundary. With two little kids under 3, I can't focus on my artwork all the time and truly, I don't want to. Being able to shut the door when I'm in the studio allows me to be fully present in the work and when I finish, I'm able to be fully present with my family.
What impact do you hope your work has on others? Name the response you hope to spark and who you most want to reach.
First, I hope my work brings joy. My work has a broad range from super snarky and punny to meditative and focus on beauty. Yet no matter what the subject matter or goals, every piece has a foundation of joy. I don't make work that is intentionally negative or ugly. I want others to look at my work at walk away with their life a little bit lighter and their soul touched in a positive way.
Do you have any rituals or spiritual practices that you integrate into your daily life as an artist? If relevant, mention frequency, timing, or how the practice supports your work.
A lot of my meditative work stems from my Christian faith. I think even my core values as an artist as well as my hope and goals for the impact of my work comes from faith journey. That being said, I don't have specific rituals I integrate into the studio practice. However, one thing I incorporate is an openness to inspiration. Some people reference the creative muse, but I like to think of it as the Holy Spirit. If an idea sits with me for awhile and continues to excite me, I take that leading and pursue the idea. Since I think of being as an artist as a calling, I think this goes hand in hand with my own faith.
Was pursuing your creative work a calling for you? How do you define calling within your practice? Share a concise definition and a moment when this felt most true.
Yes. I've always felt the need to make, whether it be small drawings or large altarpieces. I remember a teacher of mine describe this calling as "if I don't make, I will explode," and that's how I view it. It doesn't have to be big work or mind-blowing work. With two little kids, I'm in a stage where I can't dedicate lots of time to huge work. However, I can't picture myself doing anything different. I've been given a creative gift. It is a calling and I must answer.
What does a successful career in the arts look like to you today? Describe how you measure success now and note any shifts from earlier in your career.
I used to think a successful career meant multiple shows a year or a sold out collection. Success could only be measured by how many wins you had and could list on your CV. Today, I measure success by trying a new idea or a new technique. With limited studio time, I see success as completing something. I'll admit I still struggle by not being defined by my achievements in art. But I tell myself the fact that I'm still showing up in the studio and still dedicating time for the work is success.
How are you kind to yourself in your art practice? (Include one or two concrete examples such as boundaries, rest, or studio routines.)
Shutting the door. My art studio used to be in our studio apartment and I could see unfinished work all the time. It was a helpful creative tease sometimes, but it was mostly an unhealthy relationship with always wanting to work. Now that we've moved and my studio has moved into a spare bedroom, I have a better boundary. With two little kids under 3, I can't focus on my artwork all the time and truly, I don't want to. Being able to shut the door when I'm in the studio allows me to be fully present in the work and when I finish, I'm able to be fully present with my family.
What impact do you hope your work has on others? Name the response you hope to spark and who you most want to reach.
First, I hope my work brings joy. My work has a broad range from super snarky and punny to meditative and focus on beauty. Yet no matter what the subject matter or goals, every piece has a foundation of joy. I don't make work that is intentionally negative or ugly. I want others to look at my work at walk away with their life a little bit lighter and their soul touched in a positive way.
Do you have any rituals or spiritual practices that you integrate into your daily life as an artist? If relevant, mention frequency, timing, or how the practice supports your work.
A lot of my meditative work stems from my Christian faith. I think even my core values as an artist as well as my hope and goals for the impact of my work comes from faith journey. That being said, I don't have specific rituals I integrate into the studio practice. However, one thing I incorporate is an openness to inspiration. Some people reference the creative muse, but I like to think of it as the Holy Spirit. If an idea sits with me for awhile and continues to excite me, I take that leading and pursue the idea. Since I think of being as an artist as a calling, I think this goes hand in hand with my own faith.
Find KC Christmas on Instagram
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