Kathleen Ban, SWAYE Artist, created a piece called “The Outsider” for the SWAYE October Issue. Matthew Chen (Founder, Editor-In-Chief) interviewed Kathleen to learn about her artistic process, inspirations, and goals.
Q. What kind of art do you do?
Kathleen: I love to sing and dance, as they help me escape the world and really enjoy myself in the moment.
Q. How and when did you become interested in it?
Kathleen: I became interested since I was a kid singing the songs from the radio and bopping my head around.
Q. How do your family and friends play apart in you pursuing your art?
Kathleen: I’ve made so many friends through choir and dance groups at my school, and
“they’ve all helped me to gain confidence and enjoy these passions I have.”
Q. Why did you join SWAYE Media?
Kathleen: I joined SWAYE to expand my passion in the art of singing and learn more about being in a group.
“I enjoy working with others with a common interest.”
Q. What memorable responses have you had to your work?
Kathleen: Some have said my voice is nice, and it always makes my day when someone I know supports me.
Q. What is your process like for writing a piece?
Kathleen: I usually get inspiration from daily life and others on social media platforms. I use these ideas and write everything down. Then I experiment and finally find something I like.
Q: How is art special to you?
Kathleen:
“It’s my own work, and it feels unique to me. “
It is a different way other than plain words and conversations to express myself and how I’m feeling.
Q. Describe a real-life situation that inspired you?
Kathleen: COVID-19 and quarantine inspired me, as I had lots of downtime on me. I was inspired by the medical workers and how hard they work, so I wrote a short song on that.
This memory has always inspired me to paint a city night but I never got the chance to yet.
Q. Who or what are your greatest inspirations?
Kathleen: My friends are my greatest inspirations because they’re the ones that help me get through everything and support me in all the ways possible.
Q. What is your ultimate goal as an artist?
Kathleen:
“I want to inspire others and make people feel better about themselves.”
Check out Kathleen’s The Outsider project here.