048: Kimberly Leahey

Kimberly Leahey, the owner of Kilaarts, is a New York-based black light artist whose work has been inspired by her experiences studying in Guam.

Over the past decade, she has shared her art across the U.S. at art shows, street fairs, and festivals, from Polynesian celebrations to anime conventions. Leahey’s early exposure to diversity was limited, but day trips to New York City sparked her fascination with other cultures. This interest led her to study in Guam and Hawaii, where her appreciation for their cultures deepened, greatly influencing her work today.

Leahey defines art broadly, seeing it as anything creatively crafted, from food to public speaking. She views her art as a reflection of herself, describing it as a path that chose her rather than something she chose. Her daily creative process is spontaneous—each morning, she approaches her canvas with an open mind, ready to explore something new. While her art isn't pre-planned, her fascination with traditional tattoo designs and ancient pottery patterns informs her work. These tribal motifs serve as a tribute to various cultures, connecting her work to ancestral roots.

Nature, especially the ocean, is a significant inspiration for Leahey, along with historical figures from Polynesian warrior kings to other cultural icons. When she faces creative blocks, she steps away to reconnect with nature or spend time with her children, returning to her work with a renewed perspective. Her distinctive approach to signing her pieces—only signing the back upon sale—reflects her belief that a visible signature might detract from the art itself, underscoring her focus on the viewer’s connection to the piece.

Leahey believes that artists play a critical role in society by bringing culture, color, and heritage to life, teaching and inspiring others through visual storytelling. Her art has evolved in skill and technique over time, yet her goal remains to make it accessible to people from all backgrounds. She emphasizes that art can transcend age, race, and gender, reaching diverse audiences. Her advice for aspiring artists highlights the value of practice and learning from nature, advocating for foundational knowledge in marketing and accounting as essential tools for managing an art career.

“ Sketch from nature, it’s your best teacher. ”

— Kimberly Leahey

Reflecting on Guam, Leahey names the waters of Ypao Beach as her favorite place, cherishing its rich marine life and coral reefs—a setting that resonates with her artistic philosophy of cultural harmony and natural beauty.

To read Kimberly Leahey’s full interview, continue reading below. Also, check out her work by following her Instagram (@kilaarts_kimberlyleahey) and purchasing her work on Etsy. Thank you!

Please introduce yourself and describe what you do.

My name is Kimberly Leahey, my art business is called Kilaarts. I have been painting for about 10 years, and am self taught. I studied in Guam and Hawaii, learning about the culture, Legends, and traditional art. I currently reside in NY and travel all over participating in Art shows, street fairs, Polynesian festivals, reptile expos, coral reef expos, and anime shows.

How would you define art?

I would define art as anything that is created, from food, to public speaking. Everything has an art form.

Why did you choose your art form?

I did not choose my art form, it chose me. It’s who I am as a person reflected through my brush.

How does your background (education, ethnicity, culture, etc.) affect the artwork you make today?

Growing up I was not around any culture. I grew up in upstate NY, where everyone was the same. There were no different ethnicities. When I got a little older, my mom would take us on day trips to NYC, and one time took us into Chinatown. I remember I was so amazed, and even collected Chinese newspapers from the garbage can because I loved the writings on the newspapers. I was not exposed to other cultures until I was 18 and went away to Las Vegas to college. My first roommate was from Hawaii and she opened my mind up to a whole other world I never knew existed. She helped me transfer to UH Hilo, and that’s where my love, and interest in other cultures took over and I started studying and living it.

Who do you idolize or look up to?

I look up to , or idolize, the greats of the past. I love studying old great warrior Kings, such as Matapang, Kahekili, Imaikalani, Liloa, . I love learning of the struggles they went through and the feats they accomplished.

Where do you get your inspiration?

I get my inspiration from the ocean, and studying different cultures.

What do you do when you're stuck on an artwork or lacking motivation or inspiration?

If I’m stuck on a piece of art, I know I just need a quick break, so I’ll go outside and play with my kids, get in nature, or workout.

What do you like incorporating most into your art?

The thing I like incorporating most into my art are my tribal designs. I try to pick a certain culture and then go way back to their traditional older tattoo designs, or look at old pottery shards.

What is something that you add to your art as your signature?

The thing I add to my art as my signature, is not adding a signature. I usually sign the back when it sells. I feel like putting the signature on the front takes away from the piece.

Take us through your process for making art.

I wake up, drink coffee, and paint. I usually don’t know what I’m going to paint that morning, so I wake up excited to research and plan what I’m going to do on a fresh slate.

What do you struggle with the most when making art?

The thing I struggle the most when creating my art is time. Time is of the essence.

What role do artists have in society?

The role artists have in society today I believe is to add roots,culture, and color every where. You can teach a lot to others through a piece.

What characteristics do you think all artists share?

I think artists are all normal people, and we share what everyone else has.

What’s your favorite place in Guam?

My favorite place in Guam is in the water, out a little bit, at Ypao Beach. There is(or was) so much beautiful fish and coral there. And easy access to get to.

How has your artwork evolved over time?

Over time my artwork has evolved a lot. Especially with my skill level. The more I make it an intention to improve my skills, the more of a wide variety of art I am able to create.

Why did you choose to become an artist?

I never really chose to become an Artist. It was just something I did, and there was no other thing else I wanted to do.

Is your art geared towards a specific audience?

My art is geared to everyone. No specific audience or age, or race, or sex.

Do you have any tips for aspiring artists?

My tips for aspiring artists is to just practice every day. Sketch from nature, it’s your best teacher. You don’t need to go to art school to become an artist. If anything go for Marketing and accounting, and that will help you more than anything else.

047: Zard Apuya