Meet Kaleigh Day | Fine Artist and Illustrator

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

Hi Kaleigh, why did you pursue a creative career?
Creating art has always been a meditative experience for me and has helped me overcome difficult times. When I fall into a flow of concentration in my work, I become unconscious to any outside distractions. I use art as a way to release myself from time constraints of other aspects of daily life.

When I create a piece that brings a new idea to life, I find that an image can often communicate a vision more clearly than words. Seeing peoples response to the pieces I create gives me an inexplicable sense of a compassionate connection.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Although I’m continuously exploring different subjects and trying out new techniques, what I am most proud of are the moments when it’s clear that the idea that I have tried to convey has been successfully communicated. While I still have many goals, the main lesson that I have learned is if I allow temporary feelings of self doubt and discouragement to overcome me, I would miss unforeseen moments of beatitude.
I want the world to know that the significance of what I create is not in the art itself, but in the ideas that convey a sense of innocence and prevailing hope. There is an intuitive sense in us all that there is something worthwhile about being alive, that inner freedom is available for each of us. We are called to live with possibility, knowing full well that impermanence prevails.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The first place I would take a friend visiting is to see Niagara Falls. It’s a powerful site that never loses its magic, even if you were raised there. One of the most interesting restaurants in the area is The Silo in Lewiston, NY, which is converted from an old grain silo, and offers a beautiful view of the Niagara River from the upper balcony. The rest of the time could be easily spent visiting my favorite local shops such as Black Sheep Market in Tonawanda, NY.

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?
Throughout my life, my grandfather’s encouragement and limitless belief in me has motivated me to overcome external barriers. When I was younger, he often took me fishing and taught me about birdwatching, which began my interest in illustrating nature and led into more philosophical areas of focus.

Website: www.kaleighdayart.etsy.com

Instagram: @kaleighdayart

Facebook: www.facebook.com/kaleighdayart

Other: My work can be found locally in Put a Plant on it in Buffalo, NY, The Blue House Collective in Buffalo, NY, and Black Sheep Market in Tonawanda, NY.