Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendra Michelle. She shares her story with us below:
Growing up, Kendra was always drawing and painting. She would break into her mom’s art studio and get into a lot of trouble. But it was through the constant vandalism of her mom’s workspace that she discovered she had a voice, and art gave her a way to express it.
As a kid, she was constantly dreaming of faraway places. She would daydream of dark, mysterious jungles and glittering beaches. No paper was quite large enough for her artistic visions, so she started painting on her walls. As a teenager, her obsessive need to paint on a large scale soon developed into creating vibrant interior murals.
Now in Salt Lake, Kendra is teaching art at the Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum. Her goal is to instill confidence and a sense of wonder into each child. She wants them to understand that the world truly is their oyster and continues to be inspired by their boundless imaginations each day. Outside of the classroom, Kendra continues her passion for teaching by providing private art lessons for families. She also teaches adult oil painting classes. She desires to create a space where adults can connect to their inner child and release everyday stress through creative expression.
Being a recent transplant from Texas, Kendra is excited to be a part of the incredible art community in Salt Lake City. She is looking forward to contributing her unique voice and helping the city to continue to grow.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Becoming a full-time artist has always been Kendra’s dream. As with accomplishing any goal, there are always challenges. When painting large scale, it cuts you down to size, which is why she approaches each project with excitement and humility. Every mural has a set of unique challenges, leading her to make discoveries as an artist.
And that is what makes it all worth it in the end.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
When Kendra is not teaching at the Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum or leading her oil paintings classes, she is painting interior murals. Her style falls somewhere between being mysterious, romantic, and almost childlike. The mural in her downtown apartment is the crowning jewel of her portfolio.
It is a chartreuse green jungle with Capuchin monkeys and lilac flowers, reminding her of the faraway places she once dreamed of as a child. What makes Kendra unique is her killer eye for detail and love for transforming ordinary spaces into extraordinary places.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out? Kendra continues to feel inspired by those supporting her work. Those behind the brush include friends, family, and kind words from strangers. Her sister, Krista Sperry, a wildly talented local photographer who founded k. Sperry Photography is a true advocate for her work and serves as a creative mentor.
Krista has a unique gift for capturing the beauty in people and putting them at ease behind the camera. Over the years, Kendra has observed her sister’s work ethic and creative journey, inspiring her to pursue her dreams of becoming a full-time artist.
Contact Info:
- Email: headyillustrations@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headyillustrations/
