Today we’d like to introduce you to Kyle Hanson.
Kyle, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
It all started out when I was midway through bachelors program in biology at the University of North Texas. I was convinced that I wanted to be an environmental ecologist and had landed myself a decent job at an industrial lab. Learning about processes of analysis and operating industry-grade technology was exciting but I still craved to make things and needed more creative problem solving to keep me on my toes. Outside of the lab and school work, I was taking on projects to explore new ideas and interests. These projects varied from writing and performing live music with an indie band to building furniture using the carpentry skills I had learned from my dad. One project led to another, and soon, I had picked up painting. Through the use of color and applying decisive strokes to describe infinitely anything I could imagine, I soon became obsessed.
I began reaching out to local artists and attending events where I could explore this new world of the esoteric. And not long after, I had begun to show my own work and was starting to gain recognition. Thankfully due to this newly received recognition, I had started to gain some income through a series of commissions and had even landed my first public mural. It was during this time of success that I had made a decision to change courses. I had an overflowing drive to create and needed to explore more creative problem-solving. So, I switched from the biology program to a fine arts program and have never been more so engrossed with studies and an eagerness to learn.
Call it an obsession or what, this combination of a drive to create mixed with the network of artists and mentors I have privileged to meet, and maybe a “dash” of pure chance has granted me new opportunities to have my work published and publicly recognized more so in recent years. And while the success along the way has been nice, I am always on the move to see what is in store for the next project.
Has it been a smooth road?
Every day has been a learning experience – If not, more so later on than in the beginning stages. Whether it be through learning the business side of things or upscaling to bigger projects, there always seems to be an abundance of lessons to be learned. Thankfully, I’ve noticed that most obstacles have been overcome in history and there is an abundance of resources that can provide guidance. I would especially like to highlight that who you know or who you can reach out to is intrinsically valuable to your growth. And most individuals who have overcome similar obstacles tend to be eager to empathize and provide advice.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
As a visual artist, I focus on communicating ideas or nuances through images. I specialize in painting, primarily stylized work that incorporates contemporary and modern ideas, often taking reference from pop culture or site-specific locations. If a work is meant to be experienced within a specific space, the goal is typically to incorporate that space into the work, to accentuate the space in which it exists and reflect on the values of the community that thrives around it.
A couple of noteworthy projects, I might be currently known for include “Brite Girl”, a 175 square foot mural in Fort Worth’s “Inspiration Alley” commissioned by M2G ventures, and “Texas Dreamscape”, a 7-foot oil painting commissioned by Texas Health Resources in the Clearfork district in Fort Worth. My work has appeared on the cover of the 2018 issue of “SCRIPT”, a journal of literature, poetry, and artworks, as well as in the 2017 catalog of Campfire First’s “An Artist’s Christmas.”
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I am a Texan at heart and have a tendency to share my pride for being so, but I must say that the influx of different cultures and ideals has provided North Texas with accentuating charm and brilliance. Fort Worth and Dallas have especially done a great job in supporting the arts and putting DFW on the map in the art world. And no matter the niche, whether it be beekeeping or astrophotography, you can always find a local community with an abundance of knowledge to be aware of. And of course, great food, I might always have a new favorite restaurant.
There isn’t much to “dislike.”
Pricing:
- Have an idea for a project? Reach out to hash ideas and get a quote.
Contact Info:
- Website: koolaidkyle.com
- Email: kyle2by4@yahoo.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/koolaidkyle
Image Credit:
Personal photo was taken by Jordan Eric Rodriguez
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
