Today we’d like to introduce you to Kacelia Daniel.
So, before we jump into specific questions about what you do, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born in Portsmouth, VA– even though I am more native to the South than the North. I am a former military brat and was raised on the east coast and mainly Florida. Ironically, even though my father was in the Navy, I did not get to stamp my passport during his career. I completed my Undergraduate in New Orleans, LA at Xavier University and obtained a Masters from Full Sail University in Winter Park, FL.
My passion for the arts has always been a part of my story. In my undergrad, I played it safe and minored in Art. After my pursuit of a second Bachelors in Graphic Design (in my late twenties) was derailed upon moving to Texas, I found another way to continue to share my passion for the arts. Coming from a family of educators, I landed in education through an alternative teaching program and have been teaching art to the youth for almost ten years. As an art teacher most times we lose our niche to create, but I have been blessed with a great circle of friends that have pushed me to create beyond my leisure. After making a gift, it turned into teaching students to crochet for the elderly and turn into an annual community project. Last school year my student was one of the Doodle for Google finalist. This year, I participated in my first art show and won second place, and I continue to enter available shows to showcase my paintings. I love showing people that you do not have to be a granny or look a certain way to create. My only complaint is balancing enough time to create.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I am really just getting started, figuring it out as I go, and very excited as to what is coming next. I have been blessed to continue to get new opportunities to showcase my talents, sometimes before I can finish the first task at hand. I love staying busy and hope that one day it will lead to early retirement from teaching.
Please tell us about 4_8_Design.
4_8_Design encompasses all art medium with a strong focus on crochet fashion, crochet interior design, and paint medium on canvas. I have had the opportunity to stylize props for a dance performance troop, participate in art shows, design business logos and t-shirts. I can say I am most proud of being able to handle a full-time career, handle being a single mom to a little boss, and managing to be a full-time artist at the same time. I think what sets me apart from others is that there are not too many young artists that dabble in crochet or see it beyond the hat or blanket craft. My favorite artist is Frida Kahlo, I find myself feeling the same way that she felt about what she created. Feeling free to create art, with no one’s approval in mind, but for the sheer point or need for it. I just hope that I am not recognized for my art after I have left this earth but before it.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
As a military kid, we moved around frequently. I loved my cousins visiting every summer and summer vacations. I remember my older male cousin usually being in charge of babysitting, my other cousin and myself and we would usually end up locked in a closet or barricaded behind boxes. I also remember having to iron my clothes which led to sometimes me finding things to cut up for dress up or being inspired to make scrunchies. This also led me to ask for crafting supplies in my cousin’s absence, as I was an only child for almost ten years.
Contact Info:
- Phone: (504) 723-3196
- Email: Kdd_19@yahoo.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/4_8_Design
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/48Design
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