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 ranges from themes of deep, personal struggles to local scenes to work infused with a bit of snarky humor. Her work has been exhibited in many shows across the United States as well as other countries including Egypt and the United Kingdom. Recently, she had her debut solo show "Selah" in Greenville, South Carolina. She has won multiple awards with her works and earned a residency with the South Carolina State Parks in 2022. She has also been published in Tapas Magazine and TWIRL: a Decade of Artist Interviews.
Published on March 3rd, 2024. Artist responses collected in months previous.
What are you working on these days?
These days my energy is directed at keeping a little human alive. However, when I find some creative time, I am exploring different themes in collage. The key in this stage of life is to be able to either make quickly or create with something that's easy to stop and walk away from. For me, I get too absorbed in painting so I am focusing more on collage. The different themes I'm exploring in collage are motherhood, florals, and art history.
What has been going well for you in your art career and life recently?
Art wise, I am going to be collaborating with a local potter and putting my artwork on their handmade mugs. This is a dream of mine and I'm very excited for the challenge of translating my 2d art onto pottery. I'm also discussing a gallery show next year in North Carolina. This will be another dream of mine coming to fruition since I'v been trying to get my art seen outside of my home state of South Carolina. I've also started teaching art part time at a middle school. While it is a challenge, it stretches me as a creative.
What is something new that you have discovered this past year that is meaningful or helpful for you?
I don't know if I would classify it as a "new" discovery, but something that has been meaningful is discovering I don't need to be producing amazing work every other day. I'm allowed to make bad work or just take my time. As a new mom, it's been a challenge to not be able to dedicate as much time as I want to. Or if I get time in the studio, I feel like I have to make it count or it is a waste. I'm constantly reminding myself that it is only a season. I'm already making work more than I was five months ago. When I get down and frustrated that I can't be in the studio more, I remind myself that this season with my little one is quick and the studio will be there waiting for me.
Briefly walk us through your process of making art or thinking through a new project, focusing on what's most important to you as you create.
When it comes to working something new, what's really important to me right now is "does this interest me"? With my limited studio time, I only want to work on projects that get me excited. I usually sketch out the idea and then look or take reference photos. I love the research and sketching phase because I can be as free as I want. Then I start creating. With my limited studio time, I do have an advantage that I have to leave where I'm at and come back to it later. If I ever feel stuck or conflicted on a creative decision, I walk away and then come back to it and see if I still feel the same.
Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers?
If there are any artists out there who are new moms or wanna-be moms, I understand where you are at this moment. It can feel so frustrating sometimes, but this is a wonderful time for you. Find the good in the pain. And keep making art. Even if it is little sketches or play-dough sculptures or sand castles, let your creativity play during this time. Don't be afraid of this season. Let it grow you.
What are you working on these days?
These days my energy is directed at keeping a little human alive. However, when I find some creative time, I am exploring different themes in collage. The key in this stage of life is to be able to either make quickly or create with something that's easy to stop and walk away from. For me, I get too absorbed in painting so I am focusing more on collage. The different themes I'm exploring in collage are motherhood, florals, and art history.
What has been going well for you in your art career and life recently?
Art wise, I am going to be collaborating with a local potter and putting my artwork on their handmade mugs. This is a dream of mine and I'm very excited for the challenge of translating my 2d art onto pottery. I'm also discussing a gallery show next year in North Carolina. This will be another dream of mine coming to fruition since I'v been trying to get my art seen outside of my home state of South Carolina. I've also started teaching art part time at a middle school. While it is a challenge, it stretches me as a creative.
What is something new that you have discovered this past year that is meaningful or helpful for you?
I don't know if I would classify it as a "new" discovery, but something that has been meaningful is discovering I don't need to be producing amazing work every other day. I'm allowed to make bad work or just take my time. As a new mom, it's been a challenge to not be able to dedicate as much time as I want to. Or if I get time in the studio, I feel like I have to make it count or it is a waste. I'm constantly reminding myself that it is only a season. I'm already making work more than I was five months ago. When I get down and frustrated that I can't be in the studio more, I remind myself that this season with my little one is quick and the studio will be there waiting for me.
Briefly walk us through your process of making art or thinking through a new project, focusing on what's most important to you as you create.
When it comes to working something new, what's really important to me right now is "does this interest me"? With my limited studio time, I only want to work on projects that get me excited. I usually sketch out the idea and then look or take reference photos. I love the research and sketching phase because I can be as free as I want. Then I start creating. With my limited studio time, I do have an advantage that I have to leave where I'm at and come back to it later. If I ever feel stuck or conflicted on a creative decision, I walk away and then come back to it and see if I still feel the same.
Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers?
If there are any artists out there who are new moms or wanna-be moms, I understand where you are at this moment. It can feel so frustrating sometimes, but this is a wonderful time for you. Find the good in the pain. And keep making art. Even if it is little sketches or play-dough sculptures or sand castles, let your creativity play during this time. Don't be afraid of this season. Let it grow you.
Find KC Christmas on Instagram