Keeping it creative - Meet New Zealand based artist Kyla Kuzniarski

A little about me:

I'm a free spirit who loves to open myself up to this creative, wild journey we're all on

Being a young mum of four, my 20s were blissfully full raising my little wild ones ... once my youngest cub began school, I took time to explore me and follow the things that set my soul on fire. Design school first, which morphed into illustrating for an outdoor brand for a few years, and then I took the brave step to go out on my own. So grateful for the 6 years I've had the privilege of following this solo creative life and loving the freedom and joy it brings me.

My Inspiration

Beauty inspires me. And the most beautiful things are in nature, especially the ocean ... the more time I spend lost in 

its beauty, the more creative and alive I feel. 

Lessons learned

Learning that creativity comes in ebbs and flows, like waves. When I first went out on my own, I used to freak out when I didn't feel that fire, that inspiration, thinking I had used it all up! But I've learned to ride the waves of creative flow and accept each as part of the journey.

Big Achievements

Oooh I always believe it's the one just around corner, the one that will blow my mind! To be honest, it's always been seeing the impact my art has had on a personal level - the smiles, the tears, the laughter, the joy.

Words of wisdom

'You can't sell a secret' ... as an artist, my bliss is being alone in my studio, allowing creativity to flow through me. But often, that means us artists have masterpieces tucked away in our studios that no one gets to see. So being encouraged to share my work has been transformational. As scary as it can be, it allows me to share the love.

Maintaining a balance

When it flows, don't come up for air. And when it's not flowing, get into nature - go for a swim, walk barefoot, explore somewhere new! The more time I spend 'doing nothing' but absorbing the beauty of nature, is completely relative to how creative I am.

Top tip for someone looking to get started in art

Pull the thread on what lights you up. Find your own vibe and follow your own enthusiasms. Turn off the comparison switch as only you can be you! 

What the future holds

Magic. Simply magic. Every day spent doing what you love, what you're here on earth to do, is magic. I love my now and can't wait to see what projects are just around the corner that continue to surprise and delight me!

Follow my creative journey and support my work

I'd love you to follow me on Instagram @kylakdesign, where I try and share a raw authentic peek into my world, plus I have a website www.kylakdesign.com with an online store. Most importantly - keep sending me good vibes! Arohanui, Kyla K xxx

Quickfire questions:

Hidden Talent? I'm part mermaid

One thing you can't live without? The ocean

Current song on repeat? 'Down For Whatever' Ice Cube - I'm an old skool 90s rap girl 

Scared of? Not living my life to its fullest potential

Quote to live by? 'Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire' - Rumi 

I’m inspired by the water, the sun, the moon, and the stars. My countless wipeouts, my dreams of noseriding, and the feeling I get when sliding across the face of a wave.

Meg Jacovino