Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kiana Honarmand. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Kiana, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
As an artist, having control over your schedule can be both a blessing and a challenge. The art world is incredibly competitive, and maintaining a sustainable studio practice requires dedication and hard work. My passion for my studio practice and the messages I aim to convey through my work are what drive me. I believe in the power of art to connect people from diverse backgrounds and to inspire meaningful conversations. This belief fuels my commitment to my practice.
To stay productive, I often set deadlines, not just on my own, but by seeking out projects and exhibitions that require firm commitments. While these deadlines can sometimes be stressful, they are vital in keeping me on track and ensuring that my projects come to fruition. Over time, I’ve realized that discipline and consistency are key to a successful art career. The balance between creativity and structure has been crucial to my growth and my ability to share my work with a broader audience. By applying for opportunities that come with their own timelines, I maintain a steady momentum that drives my work forward and keeps my studio practice active and engaging.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am an interdisciplinary artist who explores various mediums, processes, and materials, with the choice of each being inspired by the project’s unique concept. My work spans images, mixed media, video, sculpture, and my favorite—immersive installations. Much of my art delves into my background and cultural identity, addressing issues such as women’s rights violations in Iran and the perception of my SWANA (South West Asia North Africa) identity in the US.
I am particularly passionate about creating site-specific installations. I enjoy responding to a space and transforming it to create a new experience for viewers. By altering the dynamics of the art experience, I aim to make the viewer’s interaction with the work personal and engaging, utilizing elements such as scale, directed paths, light, and shadows.
My interest in technology has always influenced my art, leading me to combine traditional art-making methods with innovative technologies. I integrate 3D printing with labor-intensive processes like mold making, ceramics, and foundry work. More recently, I’ve been incorporating new technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR) and AI into my projects. Currently, I am working on a public art project that integrates AR, and I am excited about its upcoming launch.
Through my art, I strive to create meaningful and thought-provoking experiences that connect with diverse audiences. I believe in the power of art to spark dialogue, evoke emotions, and inspire change, and I am committed to using my practice to explore and challenge cultural and social issues.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, I realize that three key qualities have had the most impact on my journey: adaptability, business acumen, and networking. In the early stages of my career, I didn’t realize how much time would be spent on tasks beyond creating art—such as administration, marketing, and writing proposals. Over the past decade, I’ve worked diligently to improve these skills alongside my studio practice, recognizing that being adaptable and willing to learn is essential for sustaining an art career.
Additionaly, developing business acumen is vital. While the creative process is what we love, managing the business side of our practice is equally important. Understanding marketing, handling finances, and writing compelling proposals are skills that shouldn’t be overlooked. For those starting out, building a solid foundation in business skills can significantly enhance your ability to navigate the complexities of the art world.
Lastly, networking and seeking mentorship have proven invaluable. Engaging with the art community and forming relationships with other artists can open doors to new opportunities and provide essential guidance. Having mentors who work in directions you aspire to follow can offer insights and support crucial for growth. Participating in events, workshops, and informal conversations within the art community can help build a robust network that aids in navigating challenges and seizing opportunities.
For those early in their journey, my advice is to embrace a holistic approach to your art career. Don’t shy away from non-artistic tasks crucial to your success. Seek out opportunities to learn from others, whether through formal mentorships, workshops, or casual conversations with more experienced artists. Building a diverse skill set and a strong network will equip you to handle the myriad challenges and opportunities that come your way, ultimately enhancing your ability to thrive in the art world.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
Currently, my primary challenge is balancing projects that are deeply meaningful to me with those that offer greater economic stability. On one hand, I am committed to creating work that addresses important social issues and resonates on a personal level. These projects are driven by a desire to contribute to meaningful conversations. On the other hand, I also need to engage in projects and commissions that provide financial stability and support my studio practice.
To address this challenge, I am focusing on integrating elements of my personal interests into commercially viable work whenever possible. This approach allows me to stay connected to my core values while also meeting the financial demands of my career.
Additionally, I am being strategic about how I allocate my time and resources, ensuring that I dedicate sufficient attention to both types of projects. This includes setting clear priorities and managing my schedule to accommodate both my creative and economic goals. By staying adaptable and balanced, I hope to support both my artistic vision and professional needs, creating a sustainable approach to my work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kianahonarmand.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kianahonarmand/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiana-honarmand-554a59273/
Image Credits
Kiana Honarmand, VisArts
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