I cannot express how excited I am to present my art teacher, Kaylon Khorsheed, as our featured Artist of the Month. She has challenged me in ways that I didn't know I needed; she works through problems with my ceramics even when I am frustrated with a piece - and not just to talk me out of putting it in the slop bin. She makes sure to spend time with everyone in the class, helping them with their goals and projects.

I was stuck in a hard place with my pottery for just under a year, and to say she helped me through that would be an understatement. She has made me think of pottery in a different light, had me try various techniques and types of clay, and inspired me to make bigger pieces of art.

Now to her and her fabulous pieces. If I could describe her work, I'd say modern, comfy, visionary, and colorful. Even in the simplest of color palettes, they draw my eye just as much as any bright yellow or teal would. Her creativity expands into so many different places, it's truly incredible.

I'll be honest, I might be a little biased when I say she's easily my favorite creative. Not only because of her unique style and the beauty seen within each photo, painting, or ceramic piece, but because I know she has a heart just as amazing as her works, and she's truly passionate about what she does.

Kaylon Korsheed is a Michigan native who graduated from Western Michigan University with a BFA with a concentration in ceramics. She lives and works in Kalamazoo, at her studio and at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts as a youth instructor for ceramics classes.

How long have you been an artist? 
I chose to pursue this path as an artist about 6 years ago, when I started to study art more seriously in school.

Is your art your full-time career? 
Yes, being an artist is my full-time career, but I plan to continue teaching art for the rest of my life as well. 

Where do you work? How long have you been there? 
I work at the Kalamazoo Institute of Art as a youth instructor and at the Carver Gallery doing archival work.

Do you have favorite places you like to create? 
I work mostly at home, in my studio, and at the KIA.

What does a typical day look like? Is there a typical day? 
I usually pace around in my studio for a while, re arranging and moving things around until I decide to pick up a paintbrush or start molding something. Somedays I begin new pieces and somedays I spend hours staring at a piece and end up making one mark on it. Each day is different. I work on my art every day, sometimes just mentally, but I'm always in my studio. 

What materials do you prefer? 
I love clay. I also love random found objects - both of these materials lend to my overall curiosity about the world.

Where/How are you inspired? 
Inspiration is everywhere and it can be a bit overwhelming. I'm inspired by shapes, colors, and interactions in people, animals, and objects. Actions and reactions. 

How do you know when your piece is done? 
I don't know. Sometimes I just stop for the time being, and if the piece is still in my possession, I'll likely pick it back up and continue to evolve it months or years later. 

Do you work on one or more pieces at a time? 
I work on many pieces at a time. 

If you were not an artist, what would you do? 
I would probably be in the science field or an architect. 

How can our readers find and purchase your art? 
I will have my website up and running in the near future, but for the time being if anyone would like to acquire any information about my work they can email me at [email protected] or find me on Instagram @kaylon.khorsheed.

Would you like to share anything else with us? 
I am currently working on a line of functional ceramic ware and will hopefully find a venue to show them for spring Art Hop!

Lillie Forteau is an artist and potter who spends most of her days writing, painting, sewing, and cosplaying. You can find her online at LillieWrites for her writing, Lillie Cosplays for her creative cosplays. Find her fandom creations at her etsy: Fangirl Collection. 

All photos courtesy and copyright Kaylon Khorsheed