Meet Kana Cayvana | Artist, Muralist, & Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kana Cayvana and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kana, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started my business with the primary goal of solving a common problem: the tendency for people to abandon their artistic pursuits as life’s demands take priority. I frequently heard people say they “used to do art,” prompting me to question why they stopped. It became clear that in the hustle of daily life, many forget to prioritize themselves and their passions.

My business aims to serve as a reminder and exploration to make life more beautiful and to provide a space where people can naturally connect through art.
By offering artist instructor services, face painting for parties and community events, and creating lasting memories with maternity paintings for pregnant women and more, I aim to enhance events and bring joy.

Passion has always been a driving force for me. Art, as a therapeutic tool, has significantly impacted my life, and I wanted to share that with others. Through my business, I hope to create programs that teach children various art techniques and ways to express themselves artistically. My goal is to inspire them to find a form of art that resonates with them and can serve as a valuable tool throughout their lives.

Inclusivity is a core value of my business. Art is for everyone, regardless of age, gender, or race, and should be treated as such. My business strives to create a positive social impact by making art accessible to all and fostering an environment where everyone can experience the benefits and joy of artistic expression.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
In my creative exploration, I embrace boundless material possibilities, diving deep into the interplay of color, form, line, and light. I often draw inspiration from therapeutic practices and processes, aspiring for viewers to connect with the emotions my work evokes. My intent is to provoke thought, sparking contemplation on their creative journey’s role in personal growth. I seek to cultivate an appreciation for social-emotional processes, beauty, and contemporary culture, evoking empathy, nostalgia, and conversations around mental health and spirituality. Art serves as both therapy and a divine gift, carrying profound power and responsibility.

Art has always been a powerful tool for me to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. Based on my personal experiences, I can attest that art has a remarkable ability to transform challenging situations, not only for myself but also for others. I hold a deep belief in the value of art therapy practices and encourage individuals to explore their own therapeutic journeys. Through my work, I strive to highlight the therapeutic potential of art, fostering personal growth and emotional healing.

My aspiration is for viewers to connect and resonate with the emotions of my work . I strive to engage them, sparking contemplation about their own creative processes, recognizing it as a vital instrument for personal growth. My work aims to be thought-provoking, inviting questions, and beckoning viewers to become active participants in its ever-evolving narrative. My intent is to foster an appreciation for the beauty, subtlety, serenity, and luminescence that underpin my designs. My work will elicit an admiration, captivation, empathy, and, at times, a sense of nostalgia.

How I Got Here,

My professional journey has been filled with challenges, but each obstacle has shaped me into the artist I am today. It wasn’t easy, but perseverance, passion, and support from my mentors and community helped me overcome these challenges. I learned the importance of staying true to my vision, being open to learning, and adapting to change.

One of the key lessons I’ve learned is the value of community and mentorship. My journey was significantly influenced by mentors who guided me and shared their wisdom generously. Their support has been invaluable, and I hope to pay it forward by mentoring others in the future.

What I Want the World to Know,

I want the world to know that my art is a reflection of my journey, emotions, and beliefs. It is an invitation to explore and appreciate the therapeutic and trans-formative power of art. My brand is built on inclusivity, empathy, and a deep commitment to social-emotional well-being. Through my art, I aim to inspire, heal, and connect with people, fostering a greater appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the human experience.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I were to take my best friend on a tour of my favorite spots, we’d start at Busy Bee Cafe. The food there is always so delicious, reminding me of deep south soul food—rich in flavor and history. After a satisfying meal, we’d head to Clark Atlanta University to reminisce about our college days and soak in the atmosphere of a campus steeped in Black history and culture.

Next, we’d face a dilemma: choosing between the Georgia Aquarium, with its status as the largest aquarium in the United States, or the serene beauty of the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Both offer a unique experience; engaging with nature or marveling at marine life.

Finally, we’d make our way to Little Five Points to network and support local artists. It’s a vibrant community where creativity thrives, and we firmly believe in creating opportunities wherever we go and with whomever we connect. This approach ensures that every visit is not just about enjoyment but also about fostering connections and supporting our artistic community.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
In the spirit of recognizing that our success and where we are in life is often thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love, and encouragement of others, I’d like to give a special shoutout to a very good friend of mine, Angelique Scott. Angelique is a well-known ceramics artist and has been an incredible source of inspiration for me. She embodies art in her everyday life, and her passion and dedication have profoundly influenced my own artistic journey.

When I met Angelique in 2016, I was very quiet and still exploring what I wanted to do with art. Knowing her helped me come out of my shell and gain confidence in my creative abilities. One of Angelique’s significant contributions was helping to create an organization on our campus called B.A.S.E. at VCU (Black Art Student Empowerment). This organization was a cornerstone in my development as an artist, especially as a Black woman. It shaped my beliefs and perspectives on art and provided a supportive community where I could grow and thrive.

Angelique, your support and influence has meant a lot to me over the years. Your impact continues to ripple through the lives of many others within the art community. Thank you for being such an integral part of my journey.

I’d also like to give another shout out to Sone-Seere Burrell, a thriving artist based in Virginia. I always look to women to learn from, and she was so open about her learning process. At no cost, she showed me things that helped me skip steps when starting my business. I can’t wait for the day when I can sit with my mentor again and repay her in some way for just being who she is. I would not be this far without her and her loving family. Sone, thank you for being the mentor I always wanted and needed in the art world.

Website: https://www.kanacayvana.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/galleryofcayvana/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KanaCayvana/

Image Credits
photographers
@deekphotos
@ad_gethenji
@lcuevas