We are pleased to spotlight Krit Upra our September Featured Artist
The Gallery at 540WMain will showcase Krit’s art exhibit Boys Do Cry
Saturday September 14th | 11-2 PM
About Krit Upra
Krit Upra is a Thai visual artist with specialization in photography. Currently based in Rochester NY, Upra works closely with the local music community as a part of his work to document and showcase the local culture in Upstate NY through his publication Floated Magazine.
Artist Statement
“As a visual artist, I regularly work on a large variety of projects, with the majority of my work exploring everything around myself. Through past trauma, I have recently had to re-learn how to live with myself and pave a path to happiness and self acceptance”
Where are you from?
KU: I am originally from Chiang Rai, Thailand.
Where did you grow up?
KU: I grew up in Thailand, and came out to the US during high school back in 2010.
What childhood experiences have shaped your art career?
KU: Everything in my life has shaped my art career. Things that happened 10 years ago have shaped who I am today, but something that happened 5 minutes ago could affect my mood and result in a different interpretation of work. So I think everything that has happened to me as I live and breathe has shaped my art career.
When did you begin your career as an artist?
KU: I started dabbling with photography back in high school after I got injured during a soccer match. But it wasn’t really until 2015 when I met Richard Magolis and was given an opportunity to have my first solo show. That was when I really felt supported and understood as an artist.
Where do you get the inspiration for your work?
KU: I take inspiration from everything that happens in my life, and always look back in the past to better understand the present. I work in different types of mediums and projects which makes it a little hard to pin point a single inspiration.
What makes you want to work as an artist?
KU: I do it for myself, mainly. Specifically with this project, it has been a self healing process that allows me to better connect and understand myself. I use the work that I create as a platform to visually convey my message. Plus, art is an amazing form of communication since it can be interpreted in so many different ways, so being able to communicate in such a unique and personal way is why I want to work as an artist.
For you how does art relate to wellness?
KU: This specific body of work ties directly into mental wellness and the journey of self exploration to better understand my personal mindset.
How do you stay healthy as a creative?
KU: Making sure to take a step back and enjoy my free time helps me stay healthy as a creative.
What do you feel is the most challenging aspect of your career?
KU: Being an international student living and creating work in a place that I feel so connected to, but not being fully accepted or knowing what the future holds, is very challenging for me.
When you aren’t painting/drawing what are you doing?
KU: When I’m not working on my art, I’m using the medium that I create art with to create more professional work. There is always work to do.
What is it that inspires you to keep going as a professional artist?
KU: Passion and love for what I am doing keeps me going. My work as an artist has connected me with so many inspiring people. Seeing what this career has done for me so far makes me excited for what the future can holds and how many more amazing individuals I will get to work with.
What are you working on now?
KU: Currently, I am heavily working on my magazine project, “Floated”, and this on going project, “Boys do Cry”.
What has been your best experience so far as an artist?
KU: Again, just all of the people that I’ve come in contact through art.
What advice do you have for others interested in pursuing as career in art?
KU: I would tell aspiring artists: don’t get discouraged so easily, do what your heart pleases. Put yourself out there. If someone says no, that doesn’t change anything about your current standing, they just weren’t the right person.
Why should the community come out to see your collection?
KU: I believe in creating a community through art. You don’t have to come out to see my work, but at least come out to enjoy the community space, you never know who you might run into and how you might be inspired.
Connect with Krit
- www.kritupra.com
- www.floatedmag.com
- IG: @kritupra
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