Meet Kiarra Elliott

We love art and we love the earth — and so does Kiarra Elliott! A self-described “eco-conscious oil painter,’ this New York based artist gives recycled wood new life with her portraiture.

Below, we chit chat about some good advice, Giga pets, and an interest in untold stories.

Two Truths and a Lie (answer at the end of the interview)

• I traveled all the way to Kenya to be kissed by a giraffe.

• I met and sold one of my art pieces to an E.G.A.T. winner at an exhibit show.

• I can paint with both hands.

Would you rather…

Would you rather be able to smell the future or hear into the past? Please explain why.

I would rather smell the future because it would allow me to better plan my next moves. If it smells bad I know that I have more work to do to make it better. If it smells great then I know I am on the right path and I can continue the way it is knowing that my future "smells" great!

Some questions with Kiarra Elliott

Who has been your biggest support throughout your career?

I'm fortunate to have many supporters in my career but if I hade to pick one I would say my biggest supporter throughout my career has been my mom. She was the one that got me into my first art class when I was younger and has continued to encourage me to grow as an artist. Although we have had our differences in what type of art path I should take she has still always continued to support my decisions and respect my craft.

What was the best piece of advice you ever received?

The best advice I have received thus far is to never allow anyone to tell you what type of artist you need or should be. Stay true to yourself, be patient with your development, and be consistent in creating work.

What inspired you to work on primarily recycled/pressed wood? Does the medium offer any advantages/disadvantages?

My first experience with painting on wood was in my last quarter in college when my professor challenged us to think outside the box and try new materials. I was given my first piece of wood canvas and after taking it in for a few moments and laying down my foundation sketch I started painting and fell in love. I have always been a huge fan of nature and the fact that trees provide so much to us effortlessly. Being able to create something new and beautiful using the same source gave me a sense of giving back; especially since my canvas of choice is usually thrown away after the first use. I also feel that because I am using recycled material none of my canvas pieces are alike; meaning that outside of the portrait the wood itself is also a one of a kind. Even if I get a large piece of wood and cut it down each piece has its own texture and pattern which I use as inspiration for development of each portrait. I work with the surface and paint to fuse the image seamlessly with the surface so they connect as one; as if they were always meant to be apart of each other. This fusion I believe helps create a more impactful image and also gives a hint of 3-d depth quality to my final product.

What types of narratives interest you?

I am interested in telling the untold stories of everyday people and how we are all connected. So often the focus is on the small few that have it all ( or seem to have it all) instead of really appreciating those that we see every day in our lives and celebrating their beauty and strength.

What is the all-time best toy from your childhood? Why?

I would have to say the all-time best toy from my childhood would have to be my associated collection of Giga pets. I always wanted a dog growing up and didn't get one so this was the next best thing to having a pet I can "take care of" and watch grow and I got to have more unique and uncommon "animals" too which was the extra fun part!

Do you think NYC is haunted?

No, I don't think that NYC is haunted.

Who are your favorite artists active in NYC right now?

My favorite artist currently in NYC are: Tiffany B Chanel ( tiffanybchanel) and Britt (afrome_art); both women are incredible artists and I love their use of color and their reinvention of creating beautiful portraits of women of color.

Any final comments? (This is your electronic soapbox for one last answer.)

Just want to say to all the artist out there, keep pushing forward and be open to trying new things in your art. It is when you least expect it that you will learn more about yourself and be able to reach that next artist level. Also, remember that there is enough space for everyone to succeed so don't worry too much about needing to be in a certain circle or level in order to get your "big break" because what is for you will always be meant for you no matter where you are in your growth! I myself am still growing, learning, and challenging myself to push my creative bubble even more to break out of getting too comfortable. Be safe, be kind, and always be true to you!

Two Truths and a Lie Key

• True: I traveled all the way to Kenya to be kissed by a giraffe.

• True: I met and sold one of my art pieces to an E.G.A.T. winner at an exhibit show.

• Lie: I can paint with both hands.