In the beginning I scribbled
New Year, new art, new website, and new blog!
Hey y’all, I am Keila Strong, a visual artist from Chicago Illinois. This is my first blog post ever and I’m super excited about it!
My love for painting stretch back far as I could remember. At about 4yrs old my babysitter gifted me a plastic apron and a paintbrush; that’s the moment I knew I wanted to paint. My grandmother was actually the first person to notice my passion for arts, and she acknowledged it publicly. When I was about 7yrs old she told my mom “oooh that there baby can draw.” From then on granny made sure to have crayons and paper handy when ever we visited. Granny validated my scribbles, she called them “art.” I hadn’t known before she told me, but I was a artist. Once my mother was made aware of my passion for the arts, she nurtured, and encouraged me regularly. When she stuck my stick figure drawings to the fridge, I felt like Picasso. Well I don’t know that I knew him then, but I felt like somebody. I could draw a straight line and my mama would get on the phone and call the whole family; “My baby drew the hell outta that line today; I ain’t lying, she got it.” I remember being so embarrassed; “like ma you ain’t even have to do all that.” Now I realize my mama was miles ahead of the scribbles; she was more concerned with my confidence in my pursuit of my passion. When I got older she confessed, “growing up I lacked the confidence to pursue my dreams, so I had I did everything to build y’all (confidence).” She gassed me up, ALOT! She pushed me forward; to make sure I had the poise to endure. Mann It was everything I didn’t realize I needed.
That was the very beginning for me. I am a self taught artist with a background in Graphic Design. I am currently working security part-time, and managing my art business “Customs by Keila” part time. I am a full time wife to my amazing husband, and a full time mother of two handsome boys. Hoping someday soon to graduate to a full time artist. Either way I’m enjoying the ride. Im currently creating from my home studio (aka corner section of the dinning room lol) in Chicago. I’m super excited about sharing more of my journey, story, thoughts, inspiration, art tips etc. and I am even more excited to get to know you! Though this is an art blog; this blog is not only for artist; this blog is for dreamers everywhere. This blog is for those that endure and overcome in the name of passion and purpose. No matter what your background and/or profession is; if you’re striving toward a big dream or goal, this blog will be inspiring and resourceful!
I started this blog, because I believe it’ll allow me to connect with a larger community of creatives, aspiring artist, supporters and art lovers. I have so much more to say, share and teach; there is no way to fit it all in a caption or social media post. This journey allows you to get know me; the artist behind the easel; and you’ll also learn about the stories and inspiration behind the paintings I create. I’ll share works in progress, my creative process, art style, struggles and so much more! Feel free to hit me up in the comments, social media, via email; whatever works. I’m looking forward to checking in with y’all twice a week…every Monday and Thursday. Welcome to the journey, let’s go!
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