We recently had the chance to connect with Keisha Pruhs and have shared our conversation below.
Keisha, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. Are you walking a path—or wandering?
Oh, I am definitely a wanderer.
I’ve tried many times to walk certain specific paths but they’ve all led me to places where I feel I don’t belong.
Wandering through life opens myself up to more creativity. There’s no designated destination, just a curiosity of life.
I’m working on enjoying the (sometimes tough) journey as a wanderer.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi everyone, my name is Keisha Pruhs. My art brand is called Keishastudio.
Ever since I was a kid I’ve loved creating, whether it was drawing or painting; art has always felt like home to me.
I’m currently working on clay creations! I still love painting and drawing but recently I’ve been investing my time in making polymer clay earrings, magnets, characters and more. I soon will experiment with silver clay to make sterling silver jewelry. 🙂
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The part of me that was conditioned to believe, “if it doesn’t make money, you shouldn’t pursue it”.
In believing this; I was staring at a blank canvas instead of creating, contemplating if I should even try to paint because I wasn’t sure the painting would sell.
I haven’t even started the painting yet and I was already worried about selling it..
Making money or not with art, there was a part of me that realized I just need to create regardless if I ever make any money from it.
There’s a reason why you want to make art, and there’s a reason you feel you HAVE to make art. And sometimes making money has nothing to do with art or pursuing a dream.
Artists, let’s work together to release one of the many limiting beliefs about creating.
Do you remember a time someone truly listened to you?
I’m reminded of a time from a few years ago. This “someone” was a complete stranger.
I was working as a barista in park city. The owners allowed me to sell some stickers of a painting I made.
A customer came up to me and said “you painted this?! Well what are you doing here?”
I guess she was confused why I was working as a barista and not as an artist. So I asked myself the same question.
She somehow saw what I truly wanted in this world, and that is -to make art. So in a way she truly listened to me because she saw the purpose I saw for myself.
I often remind myself of this whenever I doubt myself or my work.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
One of my favorite author and activist is Florence Given. She is so unapologetically herself, inspirational and authentic.
Her book, “Women Living Deliciously” has influenced me in so many ways.
Loving your life while you have one, respecting yourself by expressing yourself, creating your own life and not someone else’s.
I admire her character because she inspires me and so many others to continue living and creating art for not only the world, but for myself.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
To the creators, musicians, lovers and dreamers who follow their internal compass:
I deeply understand that If something is made for you, you will feel it. It’s an unknown force, a gravitational pull, a deep understanding that you were made for something bigger.
You often can’t describe it but you can feel it. And you will always come back to it.
Trust yourself.
If you enjoy something this much, just pursue it. Don’t listen to the doubters or naysayers. And if you feel something this strongly, you need to share it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ko-fi.com/keishastudio
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keishastudio/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@keishastudio23?si=Hs2MvUGkBpOmA0yA
