The Artist

 ​ArtistiKi (Artistic-Key) Studios is owned and operated by artist Kiera Gray of Atlanta, Georgia. Gray, a Fort Wayne, Indiana native, discovered her artistic gifts at an early age.  Her father had an amazing artistic talent and her mother a singer, dancer, and musician. Winning a number of scholastic state art awards during high school, she considered her artistic abilities just a "hobby" rather than a passion. "I just liked to create things" she says.  Upon College enrollment, she attempted to add Graphic Design as a minor, but quickly realized being a two-sport collegiate athlete in addition to seeking a Bachelors of Science in Pre-Med Biology, she was way in over her head if she was to add anymore responsibility.

Sadly, Gray neglected her creative talents for a 9 year period.  In March of 2016, she received a random package from her parents who were back in Indiana.  "It's like all of these memories just flew right out of the box when I opened it" Gray says.  The box she recieved was filled with all of her old sketches from her youth and teenage years.  This package made her wonder if she could still draw as well as she did in high school.  After attempting a couple of sketches, she got discouraged thinking the gift she once had was gone.  It wasn't until she joined an art group on Facebook where she was inspired to keep trying.  She also received a great deal of encouragement from a couple close friends to add to that.  Thinking maybe sketching wasn't her thing anymore, she decided to try painting.  "I was a little leery about it at first because I had only painted four pictures before in my life" she says.  What was to come of this was remarkable.  ​Gray quickly discovered her true talent. ​She began painting portraits of loved ones and established her own technique.  She fell in love with her own work and quickly grew a passion for art. After posting a few portraits on social media, she began to receive messages from people requesting to commission her work.  

This gave birth to what is now Artistiki Studios. First on her list was to enter the National Arts Program's local art competition hosted at Gallery 72 in Atlanta. Of the two pieces that she submitted, one received the first place grand prize for the intermediate division.  ​"I painted this portrait for a bride who commissioned the piece to present as a gift to her new husband at their wedding reception.  I decided to submit this portrait before I even started painting it. I just knew it was going to be a masterpiece" she adds.  Winning this award gave her a new motivation as new supporters flocked to get a hold of their own ArtistiKi Portrait and the rest is history.  

​"Its like my family and friends no longer get excited about my work because they expect nothing less, but for me I get excited each piece I complete" she laughs.  "I'm in awe because a few months ago I didn't even know that my work was this good or that I was a painter.  I can't believe that this work has come from my hands.  Yes these are my hands, but this is God's work.  When the ultimate creator gives you the ability to create, you better SHOW OFF!!!!"
 
Gray has discovered a new passion to help others embrace their passions and is dedicated to using her gifts to bless others.
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"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them."
Ephesians 2:10