Meet Kiley Ames | Artist & Swim Coach

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

Hi Kiley, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
I’ve been asking that question every since I was professional athlete prior to pursuing my art career. What I realized through athletics and carried over into the arts, is that sometimes the amount of work you put, the heart and passion you put into something, doesn’t always give you the outcome you want. When I’ve been frustrated or upset, whether it was athletics or art, I ask myself would I be happier if I didn’t try or put myself in those positions to risk “failure”. And the answer has always been that I would be miserable without it so I keep going and know, especially in the arts, it’s all I want to do.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I specialize as a figurative artist, predominantly as a painter, but also as a sculptor, printmaker, and photographer. The most defining aspect of my painting and what sets me apart from other painters is my technique and use of color. The majority of the time, I work only with a palette knife applying small thick flecks of color to a rough surface such as burlap or very thick linen. I am very proud of creating a technique that is unique and reflects the complex interconnectedness that we all share.

I wasn’t always an artist. My undergraduate degree was in history from UCLA. That lead me to Art History which led me to study in Italy where I took my first painting class in my mid-20’s. I went back to school for another undergraduate degree in art and a master’s degree in fine art. It might not have been the most traditional route, but it was in perfect succession for me.

It has not been easy, but it has been extremely rewarding. I don’t think artistic challenges can be overcome since I am always wanting to challenge myself and realize that wherever people are in the artistic career is met with challenges. I think you learn how to be better equipped to work through them.

What do I want the world to know.. so many things I don’t think I can list them all! If I was going to prioritize I would say that I want to make a difference in how people think and feel.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Hiking at Griffith Park and paths along the coast line

Timing it so when we go to a beach it’s at one the least crowded times and then find a spot to have lunch. My best friend is the same as me when it comes to wandering and finding a random spot to go.

Rosalind’s for Ethiopian food and Pizanna in West Hollywood

The Broad Museum, LACMA and visiting galleries

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
100% it will always be my family and friends. I am incredibly lucky and grateful to have such a strong support system.

Website: https://www.kileyames.com/

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

Image Credits
Marten Elder