Meet Kiara Bouyea | Homemaker and Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kiara Bouyea and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kiara, what do you want your legacy to be?
I want people to remember my love for community, food, and art. All of these things come up in my creative work and daily life. As a homemaker and artist, community is at the forefront of my life. Community to me is showing up for others, even a friend of a friend or a stranger. Community is a warm home cooked meal for someone grieving. Community is gathering with my fellow artists and working on different projects in a shared space. Community is love, care, and stewardship of the land you’re on and the people who are in it. I want my legacy to be fun, colorful, silly, and delicious.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I make many, mini things. I am an artist who works on illustrations, sculpture, and photography. In the past few years I have focused on miniature or small scale food sculptures out of polymer clay. It’s a tiny and cute looking result from extremely tedious work. As far as illustrations I love drawing what I see in outdoors, whether that be something more botanical or brick paths on the river in my town. When it comes to photography, I love portraits. I really like to capture how people feel and work on getting them to laugh and just relax when taking photos. I got where I am today through lots of patience, and trying things over and over again. I submit to galleries, I work hard at coming up with ideas that feel authentic to me, and the story I am trying to tell through my work, and perhaps, most importantly I keep going instead of scrapping work. The biggest challenge for me was and is what a lot of creatives go through–perfectionism and analysis paralysis. You know, you create something or even want to create something but can’t start or finish it because it isn’t perfect. It’s frustrating. In the past six months I have given myself the challenge to sketch in pen, so I don’t spend all my time erasing. Also to go with the second or third draft, go with my instinct. Sometimes I overcomplicate an idea or art piece and I really just need to pair down and make something versus planning indefinitely to make something. I’ve learned to not compare myself or my art to others! It’s really hard and I catch myself doing it sometimes, but then I go “this person’s art isn’t better than mine, it’s just different.” I can appreciate someone’s skill and hard work without diminishing my own. If there is one thing I would like the world to know about my art, it is that it comes from a place of a lot of thought and love.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
In Augusta, Georgia there are so many things to do. Whether you like nature trails, food, art, or indoor activities. Going downtown to Broad Street is a place to find good food and smaller art galleries. I really like Humanitree House which is a vegan restaurant that has smoothies, and I love New Moon Cafe for coffee and soups. The Book Tavern is my favorite book store and there are typically author speaking events. Also you can’t forget the iconic riverwalk downtown. The Savannah River Rapids are a gorgeous place for photos and walking. Looking on the city’s local website is a great place to start to find music, food, events, and hiking.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have such a robust support system and am incredibly grateful to have tons of folks in my corner. Firstly my vibrant and giving friend Zianne, who recommended me for this Shoutout Interview. I always leave conversations with Zianne feeling inspired, thoughtful, and truly seen. A few other names I would love to mention are Raven Littlejohn-Kerstens, LCSW, Tripp Gustin, and A.C. Daniel. Raven is one of my closest friends and deserves so many flowers for recently starting her own business, in mental health care services. She also crochets the cutest animals you ever did see! Raven lifts me up and hypes me up, especially when it comes to sharing my art. Tripp Gustin is another dear friend to me, he is a graphic designer, cartoonist, illustrator, and animator. Tripp has an extremely distinct style, no matter the medium he is working in. Tripp has empowered me to take time for myself, reminding me to step back and slow down when I am overwhelmed. Last, but not least A.C. Daniel is a caring soul. A.C. is an artist primarily working in painting and pen. A.C. always makes sure I have a good laugh and a great hug. He has helped me to make more art, more frequently, and better artwork. My spouse, Matthew, is a fantastic woodworker and photographer. He influences my work a ton and cheers me on more than anyone!. Oh, and of course I have to thank my momma!

Website: https://kiarabouyea.art/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiaramakesstuff/

Image Credits
Matthew Bouyea