Five Questions for Artist Kiki Slaughter
Kiki Slaughter
Five Questions
Words:
My work is an experiment with the fundamental process of painting. I paint in the moment; intuitively pouring, scraping and layering colors to create expressive compositions. I find inspiration in the very act of painting and also draw elements from the world around me, especially nature.
Five Questions:
Interviews in Excellence with Artist
Kiki Slaughter
Fresh Start, Kiki Slaughter, 44 x 44 inches
1. How have you set up your work space? What in particular about your setup facilitates the way you work?
My studio is a space to create a beautiful mess. It is a large, light filled room with paint and paintings everywhere. A little background history ... my studio was originally a classroom in a school built in 1888. It is a historic landmark because it was the first building built by the City of Richmond after the Civil War. I have 14ft ceilings and 10ft windows and doors which give it an open, airy feel. I actually feel like I am floating when I am there. I've covered the beautiful wood floors in drop cloths to protect them from all the paint that gets splattered around. Paintings in all stages of process sit on shelves and because I paint on the floor they usually take up most of the floor space as well. I have a few carts filled with materials that I can easily move around. I don't have internet access and don't listen to any music - I prefer total silence and zero distractions so I can completely dive into my work. My studio is perfect for me - a wide open space with awesome natural light and plenty of room to work on multiple paintings at once, without worrying about making a mess!
Kiki Slaughter in her studio with Here and There.
Spell, Kiki Slaughter.
2. How did you arrive at your current art practice? Was there a pivotal moment that got you there?
I had a mentor growing up, Karen Shea, who was an incredible artist and taught me, starting at the age of 7, everything she could about various art mediums and styles. She was also my role model because she showed me that being a professional artist was possible. My work was more traditional back then - I practiced to realistically depict the still life or live model in front of me. One day, Karen showed me a new series she had been working on - beautiful watercolors with dreamy shapes of rich blue and black tones. I was mesmerized, but also remember questioning why she would want to paint abstractly when she was so talented at the other. That moment gave me permission to paint what and how I wanted; to trust my artist intuition instead of the "rules". My eyes and mind were opened to a whole new way of painting. After that, I began experimenting with my process; pouring scraping, layering and otherwise manipulating paint to find my own unique expression.
Installation view, Kiki Slaughter. Photographed by Folly Charlottesville.
3. What does an ideal studio day look like for you?
I work best when I have blocks of uninterrupted time to paint. Having too much on my calendar or jumping between appointments and meetings can be very distracting. During the week,, I typically work in the morning and spend the afternoon with my kids. I also cherish time in the studio on the weekends because it tends to be more quiet and I don't have to rush away to be anywhere else. I have about a dozen paintings in progress at any given time, so a successful day is jumping around from painting to painting, applying a fresh layer to each piece. It's also a joy to finish a painting and start another. Dedicated time, whether it be a few hours or an entire day, to focus solely on the canvas' in front of me is my idea of a perfect day in the studio.
4. What inspires you in the world outside of your work and studio? Why?
I am always soaking up colors, textures, shapes and feelings of what is around me. I am particularly affected by place and am forever inspired by my hometown of Charlottesville VA. There is nothing like taking in the landscape on a country drive or spending time with my family out in the country. I feel like I can truly breathe when I am in nature - it helps me recharge and come back to my art with a clear mind.
Studio view, Kiki Slaughter.
Spirit Animal, Kiki Slaughter, 44 x 55 inches.
5. How do you get in the right mindset to make your work? Do you have a particular strategy?
After having children and studio time became more precious, I learned to manage my time more wisely and be creative on demand. I usually try to dive into my work and trust that I will tap into my creative flow. I like to say that paint is my method and my muse, so once I start painting I am usually inspired to continue. Once I am in that mindset, painting is like a form of meditation for me. It also doesn't hurt that my studio is a haven. But, on the off days when I can't connect to my work and I feel like I mess up everything I touch, I give myself a break or focus on busy work like stretching canvas or taking photos of recent paintings. In general, I try to be kind to myself and rest assured that some days will be more creative and others will be more productive and sometimes I just need to rest; it's all part of the process.
And One More:
Do you have any advice to give artists that you would like to share?
With social media constantly in our faces, it can be hard not to compare yourself to other artists, but it is important to discover your own unique style and trust in your own creative journey.
Taking Notes, Kiki Slaughter, 58 x 40 inches.
An Exciting Project!
In 2020, Kiki collaborated with the newly built Quirk Hotel in Charlottesville, VA to create dreamy custom designed painterly headboards for every single guest room.
Custom made headboards commissioned by The Quirk Hotel, Charlottesville, VA; Kiki Slaughter. Photographed by Kate Thompson.
Custom made headboards commissioned by The Quirk Hotel, Charlottesville, VA; Kiki Slaughter. Photographed by Kate Thompson.