Meet Kahbia Sada | Puppeteer, Artist, & Performer

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

Hi Kahbia, what are you inspired by?
I am inspired by a variety of things that come from African fairytales and Haitian folklores in my work. I enjoy pulling from the shapes, textures and layers that are commonly seen in West African religions and ceremonies. I take inspiration from mythical creatures like giants, fairies and elves. I love the idea of creating a world of my own with animal morphs and creatures that are only seen in my mind and dreams. Dreams consistently push the narrations for the stories that I play with. I don’t dream often but as a kid I can recollect certain dreams that would follow me throughout my life. The repetition and unclear messages of the unconscious world helps me piece and part stories of my own that have once lived through me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have experienced many lives as an artist. I started as a classically trained musician. I went to art school for all my formative years as a child into high school. The piano was my first introduction into being an artist, I remember it being easy for me to pick up and understand. I would get fascinated about learning new instruments and began collecting them. I played violin in a Symphonic Orchestra, and taught myself how to play the cello and bass. Instruments became a tool for me to express myself in ways I hadn’t been able to before. I was able to tap into a place of solitude through music. Throughout this time I began my journey dancing and was trained as a studio dancer. I learned the structures of ballet and pointe, and fell deeply in love with the rhythm of tap dancing. Coming to Los Angeles made me realize that as an artist there was no need for me to choose one thing. I have been told often that you must decide but it feels as though being an artist chose me and there was no other path besides creating art for the rest of my life. It has never been an easy path for me to be confident in. As you can tell, my direction is nonlinear. I am now a puppeteer and sculptor, but the only thing that has felt true for me is that; I want to learn as much as I can about art and all its ways of expression. I have never felt I have had to decide on one art form. I believe my work is meant to be all encompassing, a place where sculptures breath, dance and move.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate a shoutout to my mother and father who were the ones to see my potential as a artist at a young age. They allowed me to play and to explore all the different forms of art. I was blessed with a Haitian mother who was willing to go against the grain from her culture and continue to be open minded, and I believe without my father I would not be half of the artist I am today. He was the one I could explore every crevice of my brain with. I would not have the confidence in myself if it was not for my older sister, Kahmalia Sada. She has always been capable of seeing me for who I am and giving me the encouragement to continue doing things that were true to me. A shout out to Isis Dua, who is a best friend and confidant; consistently teaching me about all her painting wisdom and how we can confide in other creatives in a symbiotic way. Lastly, a huge shout out to Bob Baker Marionette Theater for passing down their teachings of puppetry from Bob Baker himself to me. I never knew of a world where marionettes existed in such a way and I am forever grateful to the theater for opening up doors for me.

Instagram: @bumi.o0 @kahbiasada

Image Credits
Molly Perez, Sam Lee, Darrian Jenkins