Kelly Knaga
A Chicago-based artist, who holds multiple creative positions in the art industry and has no intention of stopping to build a better future through her artworks. It’s Kelly Knaga, for the latest interview with TheCornerZine. If you want to feel happy about something imaginative, colourful and childlike then keep on reading and take a look at Kelly’s artworks...guaranteed to put a smile on your face!
Hi Kelly, I’d like to begin simply by having you guide me through your artistic career journey. Was it a natural path for you?
For sure, I was always the artsy kid in school and went to undergrad and grad school for art and design. My jobs have always been in the creative field as well (as a production designer, visual merchandiser and graphic designer). These days, I teach design and have my own studio. I also work in support of the Chicago design community through AIGA Chicago and Chicago Design Week.
I’m particularly interested in companies pursuing slow and sustainable fashion.
You’re based in Chicago, the ‘windy city’. While I’ll agree it’s a gorgeous city that has the best of both worlds, city and lake/beach life, it was never the city for me. I almost moved there as a teenager, but told my parents ‘no’, because I didn’t like it! (Laughs, E.D.). That said, I’d like to know if you think Chicago has had an impact on your artistic design style.
That’s funny, because I think my time living in Los Angeles and my many years of month-long hikes in the desert have had a lot of influence on my work, the land especially. All of the different shapes and forms, the plants, the sun...they live in almost every piece I make. It’s my way of connecting to nature.
Additionally, maybe you can change my mind about the city now, what’s the best and worst part about Chicago in your opinion?
The best is, hands down, the Chicago creative community and the worst, the way-too-long winters.
Going back to your childhood, were you always artistic? Did you always dream or know a life as an artist was the one for you?
Yes, 100%. Well, that or a farmer, or a doctor, or a chef. Honestly, if I had unlimited time and unlimited money, I’d go to school forever to learn all kinds of things.
Kelly, is there a particular artist you’ve admired since you were a little girl and who’s inspired your artistic style and works? What about now?
I think Matisse’s cutouts: paper cutting and arranging is a beautiful form of meditation. Now, I’m inspired by Lisa Congdon. Her work and writing is obviously incredible, but her ability to create connection and community is her other superpower.
I always like to ask the artist themselves, instead of listening to someone else’s words, how would you describe your aesthetic style?
Land and shapes, with a side of sunshine.
Kelly, you have quite some accomplished collaborations and hold many creative positions within the industry and community (Director of Design Education at Indiana University Northwest, Executive Director for AIGA Chicago, Founder of the Voices of Gary project, and the Producer of Chicago Design Week). Tell me a bit more about these positions.
I never could sit still. Many of these positions, or projects, fulfill different creative needs I have. They allow me to give back to different communities, and they each inform and inspire one another.
Specifically, let’s talk about being the Director of Design Education at Indiana University Northwest. What advice do you give to your students and aspiring designers/artists?
Always continue to create. Don’t let fear or the idea of perfection stop you from constantly experimenting.
Now, let’s talk about some of your partnerships. Can you tell me about one of your favourite collaborations to date. How did it come about?
My recent dishware collaboration with Ekobo is one of my favourites. I love their eco-friendly mission, and it was so fun to make something that I can share and use every day with my kids!
Do you have a certain creative, either in fashion, music, art, theater or literature, you’d absolutely swoon over to collaborate with, that you haven’t already?
That’s a really hard question. I have a super long list of companies and people I’d love to collaborate with. From rugs, earrings, clothes and shoes to wallpaper, basketball courts, textiles, furniture, tiles...you name it, I probably want to illustrate it.
Speaking in terms of fashion, how would you describe your style in three words? Do you have a daily ’uniform’? If so, what is it?
Paint-covered jeans and Birkenstocks. Wait, that’s 5 words (Laughs, E.D).
Do you follow fashion at all? Is there any recent trend that you particularly like and are excited to try? Or what about a trend you’d wish stayed a thing of the past?
I’m particularly interested in companies pursuing slow and sustainable fashion. I’m always a sucker for a pop of crazy colours and patterns, especially if it’s mine (Smiles, E.D).
I found myself mindlessly scrolling through your Instagram feed, as all the bright colours, shapes and designs keep on distracting me from anything around me. It amazed me, as I’m positive it does to your 58.2K followers. I love how inviting, fun and young-spirited your works are and make people feel. By the end of my mindless exploring, I realised that your page is strictly used for ‘business’ purposes, to promote your work as an artist and designer. Is that how you like to use your relationship with social networks? Have you found that it’s been a very beneficial platform for you?
Honestly, It’s more of a timing thing these days. I try to pop onto stories every once in a while, and way back in my feed I’m sure you can find some more of my day-to-day. However, now that I’m a full-time working mum of two kids under the age of 5, time is a little bit more...limited, shall we say?!
Kelly, I’d like to end on a note for the future. With all that’s going on in the world, where would you like to see yourself in your career and personal life in about five years?
Definitely, making my way through the dream collaboration list I stated above. Also, continuing to find ways to give back to my community. Whether it’s through illustrating, teaching, or working with the Chicago creative community, I always want my work to be of service to others.
I’m particularly interested in companies pursuing slow and sustainable fashion.
I think my time living in Los Angeles and my many years of month-long hikes in the desert have had a lot of influence on my work, the land especially.
You’re based in Chicago, the ‘windy city’. While I’ll agree it’s a gorgeous city that has the best of both worlds, city and lake/beach life, it was never the city for me. I almost moved there as a teenager, but told my parents ‘no’, because I didn’t like it! (Laughs, E.D.). That said, I’d like to know if you think Chicago has had an impact on your artistic design style.
That’s funny, because I think my time living in Los Angeles and my many years of month-long hikes in the desert have had a lot of influence on my work, the land especially. All of the different shapes and forms, the plants, the sun...they live in almost every piece I make. It’s my way of connecting to nature.
Additionally, maybe you can change my mind about the city now, what’s the best and worst part about Chicago in your opinion?
The best is, hands down, the Chicago creative community and the worst, the way-too-long winters.
Going back to your childhood, were you always artistic? Did you always dream or know a life as an artist was the one for you?
Yes, 100%. Well, that or a farmer, or a doctor, or a chef. Honestly, if I had unlimited time and unlimited money, I’d go to school forever to learn all kinds of things.
Kelly, is there a particular artist you’ve admired since you were a little girl and who’s inspired your artistic style and works? What about now?
I think Matisse’s cutouts: paper cutting and arranging is a beautiful form of meditation. Now, I’m inspired by Lisa Congdon. Her work and writing is obviously incredible, but her ability to create connection and community is her other superpower.
I always like to ask the artist themselves, instead of listening to someone else’s words, how would you describe your aesthetic style?
Land and shapes, with a side of sunshine.
Kelly, you have quite some accomplished collaborations and hold many creative positions within the industry and community (Director of Design Education at Indiana University Northwest, Executive Director for AIGA Chicago, Founder of the Voices of Gary project, and the Producer of Chicago Design Week). Tell me a bit more about these positions.
I never could sit still. Many of these positions, or projects, fulfill different creative needs I have. They allow me to give back to different communities, and they each inform and inspire one another.
Specifically, let’s talk about being the Director of Design Education at Indiana University Northwest. What advice do you give to your students and aspiring designers/artists?
Always continue to create. Don’t let fear or the idea of perfection stop you from constantly experimenting.
Now, let’s talk about some of your partnerships. Can you tell me about one of your favourite collaborations to date. How did it come about?
My recent dishware collaboration with Ekobo is one of my favourites. I love their eco-friendly mission, and it was so fun to make something that I can share and use every day with my kids!
Do you have a certain creative, either in fashion, music, art, theater or literature, you’d absolutely swoon over to collaborate with, that you haven’t already?
That’s a really hard question. I have a super long list of companies and people I’d love to collaborate with. From rugs, earrings, clothes and shoes to wallpaper, basketball courts, textiles, furniture, tiles...you name it, I probably want to illustrate it.
Speaking in terms of fashion, how would you describe your style in three words? Do you have a daily ’uniform’? If so, what is it?
Paint-covered jeans and Birkenstocks. Wait, that’s 5 words (Laughs, E.D).
Do you follow fashion at all? Is there any recent trend that you particularly like and are excited to try? Or what about a trend you’d wish stayed a thing of the past?
I’m particularly interested in companies pursuing slow and sustainable fashion. I’m always a sucker for a pop of crazy colours and patterns, especially if it’s mine (Smiles, E.D).
I found myself mindlessly scrolling through your Instagram feed, as all the bright colours, shapes and designs keep on distracting me from anything around me. It amazed me, as I’m positive it does to your 58.2K followers. I love how inviting, fun and young-spirited your works are and make people feel. By the end of my mindless exploring, I realised that your page is strictly used for ‘business’ purposes, to promote your work as an artist and designer. Is that how you like to use your relationship with social networks? Have you found that it’s been a very beneficial platform for you?
Honestly, It’s more of a timing thing these days. I try to pop onto stories every once in a while, and way back in my feed I’m sure you can find some more of my day-to-day. However, now that I’m a full-time working mum of two kids under the age of 5, time is a little bit more...limited, shall we say?!
Kelly, I’d like to end on a note for the future. With all that’s going on in the world, where would you like to see yourself in your career and personal life in about five years?
Definitely, making my way through the dream collaboration list I stated above. Also, continuing to find ways to give back to my community. Whether it’s through illustrating, teaching, or working with the Chicago creative community, I always want my work to be of service to others.
I’m particularly interested in companies pursuing slow and sustainable fashion.
I think my time living in Los Angeles and my many years of month-long hikes in the desert have had a lot of influence on my work, the land especially.