While many children dream of being an astronaut, a fireman, or a ballerina when they grow up, artist Kiki Slaughter has known she would be a painter for as long as she can remember.

On the wall of her studio in Richmond, Virginia, you can see a small newspaper cutting. It features a faded photo of a little girl – Slaughter – drawing chalk rainbows on a parking lot, her bare knees dusty and her blonde curls secured with a pink bow.

“Art has always been my thing; like a part of me, so I don’t ever remember actually choosing to become an artist as much as never wanting to be anything else.” She keeps the photo as an anchor to what art means to her. “I don't remember exactly where the picture was taken or why, but I do remember feeling so happy to focus on my drawing. This moment captures the love for art that I had then and now.”

She pursued her passion to university, with the sole requirement at the end of her final year to have a show. “The success of that show gave me the reassurance and confidence to paint professionally”, she says. Still, keeping her options open, she went on to attend The Sotheby’s Institute in London, where she received her MA in Contemporary Art History. “The program was structured around the various career options in the art world - gallery owner, art critic, auction house, etcetera”, she remembers. “It was a fascinating experience but I returned home with an even greater knowing that being an artist was the only path for me.”

And with that single-minded devotion, Slaughter has built a life as colourful and vivid as the canvases she paints. We talk to the mother of two about passion, balancing creativity and business, and the art of living...

What kind of family did you grow up in - was creativity encouraged from an early age?

My Mom wouldn't call herself an artist, but she is very talented. My Dad and brother are creative in their own ways, and very appreciative of the arts. My sister is in the creative field as well so we love to bounce ideas around with each other. 

Our family is very close and an amazing support group. We were encouraged to work towards our dreams, whatever they may be, and be cheerleaders for each other along the way. My parents were very observant of what clicked with us, and once we found our thing they were eager to help us on our way. I am forever grateful that they recognized my love for art at a young age and found me an amazing teacher, Karen Shea, who I took lessons from until I went to university. 

Tell me about the role of mentoring in your career?

Karen Shea, who was an incredible artist, was my mentor and teacher from the age of 7. I would not be the artist I am today without her devoted guidance. I have the best memories growing up in her studio, learning to paint and talking about life. She was my teacher, but 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 creative 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. Recently, I received the most priceless gift from one of Karen’s daughters; two of the most stunning watercolors from the very series that made me want to become an abstract artist.

Kiki's studio

Tell me about your beautiful studio space.

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. 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! 

What does an average work day look like for you?

My schedule changes a bit depending on the kids, but I like to get into the studio twice a day. I usually stay a little longer in the morning, and take a break at midday to let the paint dry before adding another layer. It is nice to come back to the paintings in the afternoon with fresh eyes. I normally respond to emails and take care of any business related tasks away from my studio so I can totally focus on painting when I am there. 

You’re a mother of two. Did you find becoming a mother changed your creative practice?

After having children studio time became more precious, and I learned to manage my time more wisely and often 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.  At the same time, having children teaches you that you can’t control everything, and how to go with the flow. So, 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. I try to work smarter, not necessarily harder. In general, I’ve learned that it is important to give myself grace and know that some days will be more creative and productive than others. It’s all part of the process.  One thing is for sure, having kids has stepped up my passion and given me a whole new purpose to add more beauty to the world. Knowing that they are proud of me and what I create brings me so much joy. 

Outside of your practice you’ve also worked on some interesting projects, such as collaborating on wallpaper, painted jewellery, and designing custom bedheads for the Quirk Hotel in Charlottesville. What do you like about collaboration?

Collaborations give you the opportunity to broaden your experience. I love to make things, and when you collaborate with someone who has different skill sets you widen your ability to create more beautiful things. Whether it be wallpaper, headboards, hand painted jewelry or custom artwork, it is fun to bring a concept to life. 

On the wall of your studio you keep a newspaper clipping with a photo of yourself as a little girl, drawing with chalk on the sidewalk. What does that picture mean to you and why do you keep it in the studio?

This picture takes me back to the creative spark I felt as a child, and continue to feel so strongly today. My hands still ache when I can't make something and I get all loopy when I concentrate really hard on what I am creating. I don't remember exactly where the picture was taken or why, but I do remember feeling so happy to focus on my drawing. I had so much energy as a kid and my parents found that art was the best way to direct it into something positive. This moment captures the love for art that I had then and now. 

You’ve talked about embracing the chaos of your practice, and being in the moment. So what do you need to have a productive day of painting - is it music, space, a deadline, freedom?

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. 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. 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. 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. 

As a creative, do you find the business side of your work distracts you from your art work? Or do you enjoy both elements?

I find the business side of my work to be a challenge. I wish I could focus solely on the creative aspects, but I also want to run a successful business so I have a growing respect for the importance of the other. I recognize my skill sets and also my limitations, so I am learning to outsource when needed and get help with finances, marketing etc. If I can stay organized, the business side of my job doesn't distract from my work.