Today we’d like to introduce you to Kit Thomas.
Kit, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve always considered myself an artist. As a youth, I had dreams of becoming a comic book illustrator or even have my designs on skateboard and snowboards. My mediums were pen and ink. I even tried my hand at graphic design attending Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NYC for two years but left before completing my degree.
I started focusing on painting with acrylics in 2007 after visions of Jean Michel Basquiat started appearing in my life encouraging me to get messy in the paint. I made a painting, put it up on Etsy and made my first sale. That’s how the entrepreneur aspect started.
I started mastering my craft and developing a style. I was inspired by the street art and graffiti that I saw growing up NYC and would often mimic the stencil style as well as reoccurring images and text. I connected the vibrance and emotion to the power of expressing myself with paint.
By 2010, this amateur painter started venturing out looking for establishments and galleries to showcase my art. At this time, I was living in Charlotte, NC. I was gaining respect in the art community as well as selling work at shows and online. Painting started bringing in more opportunities to grow as an artist. I was now involved with live painting, talking to LGBTQ youth at the center and collaborating with other talented artists that were photographers, actors, musicians and dancers. I was able to dabble more into the arts as well as myself. I started doing modeling and drag king performances as an extension of my artistic outlets. I continued art shows in North Carolina and Virginia.
Then in 2015, I moved back home to Akwesasne, Mohawk Territory; an American Indian reservation that straddles the border of Upstate NY and Canada. After 16 years, I returned and I was very fortunate and honored to be asked to do many shows, speaking engagements, art battles and talking to a group of students at my Alma Mater. My homecoming was a success in more ways then one. I was able to continue growing as an artist and a person. I even tried my hand at a being a reporter for our community TV station and production company. All this while still painting, doing commissions and selling online.
After two years, I decided to move to the bay area in California. I immediately met the President of the Concord Arts Association and participated in some shows in NorCal.
In 2018, I relocated to the L.A. area. This is where I really began focusing on my Instagram and building a following as well as networking since I was new to this wonderful city and surrounding areas. Through belief in my art and the power of positivity, I truly see the opportunities it brings to my life. I’m very proud to have participated as a vendor as well as simultaneously selling and live painting during two Raw Artists Showcases: Ovation and Holiday Rawk. After participating in Indigenous Pride L.A. last year as a vendor, I was also invited to City Hall for Indigenous Peoples Day as a speaker on a panel for Indigenous and Queer people.
Today, I reside in North Hills and still paint, sell my work online and do art walks. I’m working on digital art and design. I am designing projects to help raise awareness about certain social injustice matters like the #MMIW epidemic (Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women). Proceeds of my reddbubble shop go to various charities and foundations.
Also, look for me on the upcoming “Native American” episode of Spectrum by Jubilee Media on YouTube. And I will be selling work at The Indigenous Pride L.A. at the Autry Museum on October 13, 2019.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Being an artist is a tough job, Some struggles have been continuing with dedication and commitment regardless of obstacles and adversity. The constant need to express oneself and create art from one’s soul yet also making money in the process. We all have to pay the bills. Staying hot in the game and keeping a familiar style yet wanting to branch out and continuously evolve without losing a fan base. Tons of struggles but the hustle and the drive will pay off.
Please tell us about your work.
I am a painter specializing in acrylic and watercolor. I sell original paintings and prints online as well as a being a vendor at art shows and art walks. I’d say I was known for doing live painting during shows. Many people have told me I have a distinctive splatter paint style as well as vibrant color and a tranquil mixture between nature and city themes. I blend some of my tribal symbols and subjects into the composition. I think what sets me apart from others is my willingness to talk openly about art, mental health and issues impacting the LGBTQ and/or Indigenous communities.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Absolutely nothing, I had to grow and endure the challenges faced to become the strong-minded artist I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kitthomasart.com
- Phone: 925-375-4228
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/kitthomasart
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/kitthomasart
- Other: www.redbubble.com/people/kittthomasart
Image Credit:
@Qumanity4Youth (group photo Qosmos)
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