Today we’d like to introduce you to Dace Kidd.
Hi Dace, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in Riga, the capital city of Latvia, one of the three Baltic States located in North-east Europe. It was 1987, and my birth certificate was in Russian and Latvian as Latvia was part of the Soviet Union at that time. I was 4 years old when my home country regained its independence, and I was very much influenced by growing up in the environment where everyone was busy catching up to the western culture and everything they missed by being under the soviet regime for more than 50 years. Art was my passion and pastime early on. I had great opportunities to study art, starting with children’s art school, and continued my education at a charter art high school and art colleges in Latvia and Italy. In 2011, I moved to Texas to start a new chapter of my life. It all happened unexpectedly, all because of love and Mexican food. I realized how Texas and the United States are very different from where I came from, and that I would have to restart my creative career. I like challenges, and I quickly adapted to and even embraced the culture shock. I found my place in the local art community by consistently creating new art, collaborating with non-profits, volunteering, and organizing and curating art shows, festivals, and events. I launched the Mural Artist Tx brand and have been fortunate to travel all over Texas, creating murals for individuals and businesses. I have founded a non-profit called Tyler Art Lift to grow and cultivate the art scene, and currently, I am developing an Art Therapy Program.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I have had different challenges in my career. The scariest was when my husband was hit by a car while we were cycling, and he was almost killed. The help and attention we received from friends, strangers, and the community were remarkable. It taught me that no matter what happens, you should never give up, and some things are not meant to be, and that always opens possibilities for other things.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a classically trained studio artist. Apart from creating my own work, I very much enjoy creating custom artwork and collaborating. I like to express myself on a large scale; therefore, murals have been the highlights of my most exciting projects. To me, no small project is less than a big one in any way. I am always passionate about the idea and details that influence the project or concept at the time. My favorite work is always what I am working on currently.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
My home city, Riga, has a population of over one million. I grew up very much a city girl, believing that dirt is just something that exists under the pavement. I am always most drawn to urban settings. I love to be inspired by music, art, culture, food, and people. Austin reminds me of the energy and vibe of my home city. It buzzes with ideas and creative people. My home city has one of the best public transportation systems for a city of that size in the world, so I am spoiled. In Riga, I would not need a car. In Austin, you would almost have to use a car, so that would be my only critique.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://muralartisttx.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muralartisttx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/muralartisttx
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@muralartisttx5281
Image Credits
Perigold store photo courtesy of Wayfair. All other images taken by me.
