Taino Talent! An interview with Kat Blouch, Taino Artist!

Interview by Dr Dawn Karima

     Kat Blouch is in constant creative mode. Moving from painting to photography to interdisciplinary media with speed and alacrity makes her one of Pennsylvania’s most prolific artists. She never shies away from bold statements, whether reflecting on her own physicality, on mortality, on spirituality or on cultural influences. Fresh off successful stints of shows and magazine features, this skillful rising star shares her heritage, her hopes and her own way of wielding art in the world. 

DK: Enjoying your art is like entering another world! Thank you so much for sharing your time and talent with us today! What does it mean to you to create such masterpieces?

K: It means something personal yet ambiguous. I like intertwining them both. I consider it to be a beautiful partnership.

 DK: Will you tell us about your very first experience creating one of your pieces? How did it feel to start on such an intricate piece? What was the feeling you remember when you completed it?

K: I’m currently working on a self portrait collection. It’s not completed cause I’m not a complete and very flawed person. I’m in the process of debating how much of myself I want to express and or show in each piece. 

  DK: When you think of all the art you have created, which pieces stand out or have certain memories attached to them? Please tell us some of your favorite stories?

K: As stated before my self portrait series mean a lot to me because it is me. Literally I have a piece that is a collection of my hair from the salon. My stylist knows I’m an artist and happily gave me the fresh cut hair. I chuckled because the other people in the salon was looking at me strangely while I held this ziplock bag of my hair.

  DK:  What do you think is the most important aspect of your work?

K: That I stay true to myself and never lose focus as to why I am an artist and why I love art.

DK: What life lessons have you learned and what personal traits have you developed through your creations?

K: That I have one life to fulfill my dreams. I don’t fear death I fear living without trying.

  DK: What does your tribal culture mean to you in your art? In your every day life? What are some of the Taino values that influence your art?

K: It means a lot. I was born and raised in NYC so the only connection I had with my culture and the Taino’s was through my grandparents. The internet is very good source of research as well. I’m trying to learn more about my people and their crafting. It gives me a sense of self and culture. Eventually I will incorporate these crafts to my own work. As a tribute to their legacy.

DK:  What else would you like to share with us today?   We sure do appreciate you! Thank you for your consideration and for your time!

K: What I can give is advice. To truly never give up and to pay attention to the signs that the universe or god is giving you. These are lessons and opportunities to guide you to your potential success.

Dr Dawn Karima is a two time Global Music Award Winner, a NativeAmerican Music Award Winner and an Indigenous Artist Activist AwardWinner!This Media Personality and Spiritual Inspiration is also anIndigenous Music Award nominee, who hosts an Award Winning radio talkshow, A CONVERSATION WITH DAWN KARIMA. She has two award winning CDs,THE DESIRE OF NATIONS and THE STARS OF HEAVEN. She is the author ofWHAT TO DO IF YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO and the Co-author of CHILDRENLEARN WHAT THEY READ, a book about multiculturalism in children’sliterature.

Dr Karima is the author of two novels: THE WAY WE MAKE SENSE, a Finalist for the Native American First Book Award, and THE MARRIAGE OFSAINTS, a volume in University of Oklahoma’s American Indian StudiesSeries and a Finalist for the New Mexico Book Award. ThisMvskoke/Echota  Shellshaker, Women’s Traditional Southern Cloth powwow dancer, Jingle Dress Dancer, Indigenous Theologian, Filmmaker and Journalist is a graduate of Harvard University, who holds an MFA in Creative Writing from The Ohio State University and a Ph.D. conductedat University of Kentucky/Trinity Seminary. As a contributing writer for NEWS FROM INDIAN COUNTRY, WHISPER N THUNDER, WHISPERING WIND and INDIAN VOICES magazines,  her home is the QuallaBoundary Reservation in Cherokee, NC. A prominent Speaker, Educator,Artist and Consultant, she is available to hire for speaking engagements, presentations, media making, academic instruction, consultations, performances, storytelling and cultural education.

Her radio show is available anytime athttp://talktainmentradio.com/shows/conversationwithdawnkarima.html