We were lucky to catch up with Kenya Mitchell recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kenya, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
I get my resilience from a host of factors.
1st being GOD the Creator; I wouldn’t be who I am today without my faith and without his hand on my life. I’ve been through a host of trials, some from my end but he’s never left me. I get reminders daily to persevere.
2nd My Family: The family I grew up with and the family I’ve built. The people in my life who have made sacrifices & decisions in the harshest of circumstances or giving up their dream for mine to be realized. Not settling what’s handed over to me but building up on it.
3rd Culture: As a Black Woman it’s inherited. I don’t take reliance & grit lightly. The people before me endured a lot of hardships for generations; fighting for what is right although they may not see the fruits of their labor but it’ll be for the generations of people that they would probably never meet.
I may pout and cry for a moment but I always make it through.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My name is Kenya Mitchell, born and raised in STL. I am a devoted wife, dog mom & believer. Recently graduated from Webster University in 2024 receiving a BFA in Studio Art w. Printmaking emphasis.
I currently work at an Art museum, teach workshops and classes at Central Print( where I was an Intern) & St. Louis Artist Guild. I love to help other artist/ people reach their full potential and get opportunities.
My studio practice is strong; I dedicated myself to continuing my practice after undergrad and it’s been paying off (with awards & unlocked skills). I am part of a Studio co-op as well.
I hope to get into a Grad program and/or residency program. More so to teach & create on another level. I really have so much to give and continue this growth. Being a creative is a privilege I don’t take likely.
I am a visual artist; I love working with a host of media like printmaking, textiles, paintings, and digital software (not ai generated works). The works I create are rooted in human experience. Layering is central to my process, not only as a visual strategy but as a metaphor for the emotional and spiritual weight we carry. The buildup of texture and materials reflects the complexity of healing, resilience, and navigating internal battles that often remain unseen.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Networking, Grit, Student first.
Networking: I use to be so shy to meet people and talk about art or anything in the industry. The more I allowed myself to open up and care less about how silly I might look it eased the pressure to be perfect or rejected. Now I know a host of people who I genuinely like; and super cool in their own ways. For example there was this studio talk where I got to meet Bisa Butler (Amazing Textile Artist); the younger me would’ve been scared to talk to her because of nerves but I did and she loved my work & had a mini convo. That connection/ conversation would’ve never happened if I continued to let fear lead.
Grit – Life has its pains and joys. If you channel them and push through that’s grit. Grit is resilience at the worst of times. Grit is consistency with effort to improve. Everyone has had a moment of uneasiness; but to feel it & pushing through it can be harder than sitting in it. I say channel that energy into something you can feel: creation with the intention of healing.
Student First – Always be willing to learn, even if you already been through that lesson. You can learn something new each time; it’s the lesson of life really. Perspectives shift and with that knowledge comes new ideas, connections etc. For example I didn’t want to take a course I needed to graduate “Fibers” but I eventually took it. When I say I’m glad I done it because it expanded my knowledge and growth as a creative. Some of my best work was in part of taking that class where I learned new techniques now I can’t see why I didn’t want to take it.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
I have such an amazing support system that really helped me grow to who I am today. Mentors, Professors, Family, Friends, Co-workers, My Husband, God, even my physicians.
Whenever I’m ever doubting myself or unsure about the direction of what I’m creating and why I’m creating; this group of people lift me up providing feedback & encouragement. I try to soak up every bit of advice; even if I don’t ultimately take it. I try to lean in on my loved ones.
With new skills or polishing up the ones I already know. I learn so many lessons on patience, grace, self discipline through my connections. I cherish each and every connection that has been created through art & life.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://sites.google.com/view/kenya-mitchell-art
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/Pure_Artistry_By_KenyaMitchell
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KenyaMitchell23/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenya-mitchell-ab175a17a
- Other: TikTok @kenyamitchell_art
