INTERVIEW WITH ARTIST KELLY SAWYER

Last year, I had an idea for a series about local Toledo artists. I wanted to feature artists that make no excuses in getting their work out in front of an audience on top of their full-time careers. This is the fifth part in a series I’m calling The Moonlighting Series and a very special one for me.

(You can read other parts here: Moonlighting Series)

Up until now in the Moonlight Series, I’ve focused mainly on artists who have full-time careers and still find time to pursue their art. The heart behind the blogs has been to highlight how individuals who have a lot on their plates are finding practical ways to put in the work on their craft. They don’t gravitate towards the typical ‘I’m too busy’ or ‘My job leaves me too drained to even focus on my art form’ types of responses. Each artist I’ve featured has been driven by different values and reasons for pursuing their art.

Whether in the field of music or pottery or writing they have something in them that needs to get out, and they do this up against full-time careers. Something that consumes a significant portion of their week and focus. Something that could pull them away from their art entirely if they let it. There are plenty of other types of individuals in different life circumstances that consume large portions of time. For instance, mothers have just as much of a fulltime job as those with the label ‘career’. I began thinking of other forces that can be impediments in our daily lives and there is one that has been at the forefront of these thoughts for me because of a great friend and artist’s recent diagnosis.

Cancer.

Kelly Sawyer is a graphic designer. She and her husband Micah also happen to be among my wife’s, and my closest friends. The four of us have become adults together. From late nights playing D&D in college to being a part of each other’s weddings to raising our children alongside each other sharing tips on how to not lose your mind with a newborn. We’ve gone through it all. Together.

Three days before Christmas of 2017, Kelly got a diagnosis of Invasive Ductal Carcinoma Triple Negative Breast Cancer. No one expects that news and no one can prepare themselves for when it comes. It wouldn’t be right, or enough for me to try and articulate on her behalf in words what going through the process is like. So below is a video of Kelly’s story I would love for you to watch.

On Valentine’s Day, Kelly texted me to see if my family and I wanted to come over that night for an impromptu head-shaving party. I was honored to photograph a night that would be one of the most inspiring nights of my life.

The moment I’ll never forget was when they brought their young children in on the experience. Kelly and Micah were very intentional about this. They didn’t want their kids seeing their mommy one day with no hair and have it be a scary or confusing thing for them. They brought them into it and made it a party instead of them feeling on the outside.

This night was Kelly’s way of saying she was taking control of what she could as she continued chemo.

Through chemo, Kelly made the decision that she would keep working as a graphic designer for a local church and continue to do canvas art when she felt up to it. Kelly has been an inspiration to a lot of people, myself not excluded and I wanted to sit down with her to ask a few questions about life, art, and her fight with cancer.

When did you first know you wanted to pursue a career in graphic design?

Well, my first year of college I was “Undecided”, but thankfully during that time, I talked to a family friend who was enrolled in the Graphics program at BGSU (Bowling Green State University). She knew I had a passion for art already, so combined with her and my Guidance Counselor’s encouragement I went for it.

Do you remember who gave you your first opportunity outside of College to turn Graphic Design into a job?

My first job as a Graphic Designer was one week out of college at a print shop in Bowling Green, Ohio at Fast Company. It meant a lot that the owner had enough confidence in me to hire such a “rookie” (his nickname for me for the first few years). It felt great to see how he enjoyed the artwork as he flipped through my portfolio.

Who were your inspirations as you developed as a designer?

Going to the HOW Conference with my work has been pretty amazing. The speakers ranged from companies like Design Army to Disney.
Also, for the last 7 or 8 years, I primarily turn to graphic design magazines for inspiration (Print, Communication Arts, CMYK to name a few). This is currently one of the few things I do early in my creative process.

What’s one or two things you wish you would have known or done in your 20’s that you can reflect back on to help other aspiring artists?

I would have been more confident in showing my quirk. I hid it for so long because I wasn’t sure how other designers or people would react. I would have presented my art and style without apology and all the hesitation.

What did working through chemo mean to you? Was it cathartic? How do you think it helped you/is helping you?

Chemo was one of the most emotional times I have ever had in my life, oh my gosh, so much crying! I had a lot of days I just wanted to lay in bed or go to bed at 5 pm. I would try to push through as best as I could, especially because I didn’t want to miss out on my life. But I decided early on I had to go through this no matter what, so why not at least try to be positive about it? Chemo has helped me slow down, and not take so many things for granted. The days that I feel normal and like myself, I will never look at the same. Also, take one day at a time or even just a moment at a time.

Chemo has also taken me to a place of desperation, which has given me a chance to depend on Christ more than ever. He is my rock.

What would you say to others battling cancer about what creating art has meant to you through the fight?

I would tell them how art helped my confidence and processing all of this. It’s helped fight the “chemo brain” side effect a lot of people get where you have foggy thinking patterns. It can be frustrating and a little depressing at times. So, creating art helped me push through this to realize I can still make something of value and contribute.

I know this certain painting of the West Coast that you made that hangs in your house is really special to you. Could you tell us what the significance is to you?

It’s really special because of the moment I remember while painting it. I had just finished a round of chemo and decided to have a painting party with a few friends. I was bouncing around in between brush strokes saying “I’m having a painting party and I JUST had chemo!” The painting is based on a photo from when my husband Micah and I visited San Diego before I was diagnosed. I go to this place, this particular beach in my mind frequently. It has helped me through a lot of medical tests.

How has cancer changed you and your art? What have you learned through it?

I feel like I have been more vulnerable and explorative in my art since having cancer. Trying new things, techniques, and colors that I haven’t before. Not being as scared to mess up or to fail.

Do you have a favorite quote that has helped you through the process of chemo?

“Every word of God proves true. He is a shield for all who come to him for protection.” Proverbs 30:5

Kelly has finished chemo and the cancer tumor has shrunk. She is making amazing progress!

If you are interested in supporting an organization that helps cancer patients during treatment, Kelly would love for you to look into The Victory Center and consider a donation.