Akeen Kidder
Entrepreneur Spotlight Feature (June)
The Yarn Art Guy
www.artwithanak.com
@yarnartguy

My Journey

My journey as the Yarn Art Guy began with a simple yet profound inspiration. One day, while gazing at Vincent van Gogh’s “Starry Night,” I noticed that the brushstrokes looked like strands of yarn. This revelation sparked an idea to create art by gluing yarn onto canvas, transforming my passion for creativity into a unique art form. Turning my passion into a business has been both exhilarating and challenging. My notable triumphs include showcasing my work at various art shows, including recent events in Ottawa, Montreal, and New York City. The response from the public has been overwhelmingly positive, with my “Black Icon Series,” featuring portraits of Black celebrities that have inspired me artistically, gaining significant attention.

However, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Building a brand from the ground up requires navigating the complexities of marketing, securing exhibition opportunities through networking, and managing the financial and legal aspects of a growing business. I am incredibly grateful to BBPA for helping me realize the importance of building a team to handle the areas where I am less skilled. One of the most significant challenges has been balancing my day job as an engineer with my work as a visual artist. Juggling these responsibilities requires meticulous time management, a reliable support system, and a deep commitment to both my professional and artistic pursuits. Despite these hurdles, the support from the community and the joy of creating art that resonates with people has been my driving force.

My ultimate goal with yarn art is to inspire others to explore their creative side by trying new things. I hope that my work encourages people to step out of their comfort zones and discover the joy and fulfillment that come from expressing themselves creatively. By sharing my journey and the unique process behind my art, I aim to motivate others to pursue their creative passions and find their unique forms of expression.

About My Business and Services

My art stands out because each piece is a one-of-a-kind, hand-made creation. Unlike traditional paintings, my yarn art offers a tactile and visually striking experience that is truly unique. The “Black Icon Series” is deeply personal, capturing the essence of influential Black celebrities who have made an impact on my life. It’s a reflection of individuals like Kobe Bryant with his “Mamba Mentality,” inspiring me to work hard and stay determined, or Donald Glover, who succeeds in multiple endeavors and encourages me to explore all my interests fully while staying true to myself. This series allows me to showcase who I am through the lens of well-known celebrities. Through the vibrant and textured medium of yarn, I bring their stories and personalities to life in a way that resonates on a personal level.

As the Yarn Art Guy, my mission is to create art that inspires others to explore their creativity and challenge their preconceived notions of art. While yarn may typically evoke images of grandma knitting sweaters, I aim to showcase that creativity knows no bounds. By using yarn as my medium, I highlight the importance of seeing everyday objects from a different perspective.

To me, yarn represents the diverse threads of life, each unique yet interconnected. Just as my yarn paintings bring together these threads to reveal a bigger picture, we too must weave together our experiences to understand the complexity of our journey. My art serves as a reminder that creativity is about embracing the unconventional and finding beauty in the unexpected.