Today we’d like to introduce you to Kana Danzey.
Kana, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
As a child, I was very shy but passionate about pretty much anything and everything, a true blessing and a curse. My mother always encouraged me to do what I love and made efforts to help me discover my passion. I got involved with many different activities like cheerleading, ballet, and playing the violin. I happened to enjoy all of them, but none seemed to stick the way art did. From what I can remember with art, everything came naturally, and nothing was forced. My parents told me art was my first love.
In high school, I chose to take art seriously. My sophomore year of high school was the first time I used acrylic paint. I chose to paint some lilies that my name derived from. I’m pretty sure I got almost two hours into it and I absolutely fell in love with it. I was amazed at what I made and what else I possibly could make. After that, I knew I wanted to continue to create. One of the most beautiful things about my relationship with art is that it’s a never dying love. Each time I create, I fall in love over and over again. It has always been my safe haven, escape, healer, and entertainer. I consider my artistic abilities to be a gift and I’m grateful to have received it when I did and for it to still be relevant to this day. I do believe it keeps the child in me alive through my imagination and optimism.
One of the greatest qualities about this gift is that its one that can be shared, and I have seen it work wonders for others in their time of need as it has for mine. As the years go by technology is being constantly produced as are new struggles and our parents don’t know how to combat these new struggles they didn’t have to grow up with. Therefore, as a generation, I think we need to stand together and be there for one another. To hold one another up in light at a time where our minds are being controlled so easily and mental health issues are arising at an all-time high. That has been a constant concern for my people throughout the years. So, I chose to indulge myself in my second passion which is Psychology.
I chose to start my college career at Clark Atlanta University in 2014. In Atlanta, I learned so much about myself, my history, as well as my spirituality. Although I completed my college career in a different state. I am forever indebted to the A for helping me find myself during those critical years of my life. I am currently a teacher getting experience with children as well as elders. Aspiring to be an art therapist to heal and help raise our future leaders. I am also an artist instructor and entrepreneur booking exhibitions throughout the year while perfecting and protecting my craft.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My life has been no fairy tale nor walk in the park, but I can say it has all been a blessing. I am continuously grateful for the good and the bad. When I chose to believe in myself, my worth, and my work. That’s when I came into my own understanding of if I know who I am; who could tell me who or what I should be? And if God is with me then who really could be against me? This is really important because thus far a lot of challenges small and big have come from learning how to navigate professionally and socially through my identity. There’s already stereotypes, limits, and expectations put upon me before I even walk into a room. It’s unfair but I’ve learned that its life. Not the life that I chose but the life that was given to me which means it was made for me and even if I have doubts, I am strong enough to handle it.
When we’re growing up of course we hear about equality issues, but it really did hit after college. I’ve had to demand my respect as a woman and prosper past my skin color. When I started out, I thought I would just be an artist, but it turned out it takes being much more than just an artist. If you find something that you love and truly want to prosper in, it takes becoming a boss as well! There are many things that’s needed to get the job done but it all makes you the more qualified. I’ve learned to become my own marketing team, social media manager, web designer, archivist, curator, photographer and more.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about K.savageart – what should we know?
My entrepreneurial journey contains many different business ventures all connect by art! This includes maternity paintings, murals, logos, clothing art, and more. I love to indulge in different ways to create because there are no limits and always new mediums to explore in the process. When creating, it doesn’t feel like work but more as a therapy. It has helped me to see time in a different light and respect it. I am known for my exploration of color within my pieces. I specialize in creating depictions of women/women of color and my views as a black woman. It has become another way to tell my story and other stories that have not been heard. My goals and purpose are what sets me aside from others. I use my artistic abilities not only to create but heal and tell stories through testimonial works. I hope to keep the movement going by sharing and giving others an outlet to express and learn more about themselves. As another form of communication and rehabilitation.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I have not made it this far on my journey alone. I have to give a big thanks to my mother Shawnneika first and foremost for her continuous support, encouragement, and sacrifices. She is the reason why I wake up every morning and choose to not let fear detriment my path in any way shape or form. I have to give a big thanks to my village in Norwalk, Connecticut. That includes my family, friends, teachers, mentors, community center (Carver Foundation of Norwalk) and people that made a way for themselves and always came back to share it with us. To my supporters that continuously choose to uplift me in light off of the simple fact that they believe in me, my future, my purpose, and my gift. I do also believe it is very important to have at least one person to be your fresh set of eyes. Someone who is willing to call you out on things should you ever need it. That person should be one that seen a future for you before you may have even seen it for yourself. To my cheerleader, Ajanique I thank you!
Contact Info:
- Website: Kanadanzey.com
- Email: k.savageart@gmail.com
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