Local StoriesJanuary 13, 2023

Meet Kris Diggs

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kris Diggs.

Hi Kris, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up, I’ve always liked to draw and sketch but have yet to take it seriously or think of it as a real future. After college and working jobs I didn’t enjoy, I asked myself, “What is it that I wanted to do with the rest of my life that would truly bring joy?” At the time, I was heavily into tattoos and had even designed several of my own. So that was a good path to start with, but after speaking with my tattoo artist, he explained that I should learn how to paint to expand my portfolio and grow my knowledge of color theory and design. After that conversation, I signed up for a night class for painting at the University of the District of Columbia and fell in love. From there, I signed up for additional classes to perfect my craft and experiment with different styles and techniques. A couple of classes expanded my mind to new techniques I would have needed to learn. I never thought, 8 years later, I’d be in the position to make a real living off my art, but doors have opened that I never knew existed. Since then, I’ve expanded into canvas paintings, body painting, murals, and teaching paint classes. I have also been in several exhibits in the area and have done several commercial mural projects.

Would it have been a smooth road, and what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The biggest struggle I’ve had and am still learning to deal with is tying the creative and business sides of the art industry. The business side can be the most frustrating part of being a full-time artist. You can be the greatest artist in the world, but you need to learn how to market yourself and network to know your name and work. Many artists are introverts, myself included, and putting ourselves out there to strangers can be challenging. Over the years, I’ve learned to come out of my shell and the importance of having self-confidence in my work regarding marketing and promoting. The great Erykah Badu’s “I’m an artist, and I’m sensitive about my ish” never has been more true.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a visual artist of various mediums. I do traditional canvas painting, body painting, and murals and host painting classes. My style blends into several categories, but I’m most known for my portraits or abstract expressionistic work. Although I always try to push myself to try new things, I have a reoccurring series named “Heart is King,” which highlights particular themes but, at its core, is based on following your passion and putting your heart into anything you truly care about. I try to incorporate words of affirmation and positive thoughts to uplift whoever I may be looking at. I feel like “heart” is our most important emotion, which is why I believe the heart is king.

Who else deserves credit for your story?
Through the years, I couldn’t have made it here without my family and friends, who have always supported me throughout my journey. Whether it’s sharing my work or purchasing it, it has helped along the way. Also, the art collective, Artbae, that I’m part of and a board member, has been a huge help in connecting with other artists and bouncing ideas off each other. Artists who have inspired me include Basquiat, Maya Bailey, and King Saladeen. Also, traveling around the world and visiting art galleries has been a source of inspiration. Inspiration can come in any form, and I try to keep myself open to receiving it.

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