Briefly describe who you are and what you do.

I’m Kade. I draw when I can, and I am currently exploring what my best role as an artist looks like. My heart is also in rape survivor advocacy.

What inspires you?

My work sparks from both direct and indirect conversation. Text has served as a beginning point for much of my work. Though I tend to use quotes from my personal life, a large part comes from overheard conversation as well as tv and film. It’s part of the human experience to hinge on what others have said. We misremember, misunderstand, and so words can eventually lose origin and context. Writing them out gives visual cues to create a new abstract space for these quotes to exist.

Name three artists who inspire you.

David Lynch, Tracey Emin, Mark Rothko.

Favorite or most inspirational place in Bham?

Pretty much the entirety of 2nd Avenue N, including the recently relocated What’s on 2nd.

What memorable responses have you had to your work?

Several people have told me my work was too personal, and that it made them uncomfortable. It used to hurt my feelings, but now I’m happy with that result.

What is your dream project?

In the future, I’d love to release a book of drawings or a graphic novel. Besides that, I hope to work on a short film or documentary one day.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

Paraphrasing the great Steve Cole: “Keep going. Don’t give up on a drawing.”