Hi there! I’m Kieran Sandino (they/them) - a name hand picked by yours truly - and I am a nonbinary queer artist who hails from the northeastern side of Kansas. Half of my cultural history lies in Colombia, but I currently live in Lawrence with my two beloved cats, Dragon and Satyr, who both help and hinder me in my artistic endeavors. For a long time, I found difficulty in deciding what the heck to do with my future, often jumping from one interest to the next; however, art has always been a constant for me ever since I was young. Like many kid artists, I would always be doodling and copying art I liked on a loose leaf notebook paper - and for a while, this was enough to satiate my creative drive. As I grew older, I realized more and more that participating in the act of creation was almost addicting in a way. Constructing something beautiful or impactful from nothing is valuable in any format, which is why I deeply appreciate all forms of art from all walks of life. Exposing myself to different lifestyles, social issues, community, and the natural beauty of the earth are all what motivate me to make meaningful art.
My work explores the narratives of queer & trans individuals as well as touching upon more sensitive themes of emotion and mental health. Experiences from my own life as well as the environment around me serve as inspiration to create art that resonates with the viewer. This art can come in many forms - whether it’s a digital illustration, a traditional hand drawn piece, or through building 3D forms. Stylistically, I enjoy implementing natural and organic elements to use as a framework or for embellishments in my work. Visual symbols with deeper meaning are often carefully thought out and researched in order to reflect the more serious nature of the topics I choose to depict. My artistic goal is to foster a deep connection with my audience in a way that causes them to meditate on their own self and experiences.