My name is KASHA. I am a Canadian born, American citizen, professional Artist! The idea of being an Artist, made me very uncomfortable for most of my life. Even though I was aware of my abilities in the 'arts', I was embarrassed to accept the attention for them. 

Looking back I remember the pressure to decide on a career path at eighteen years old; a time of self discovery, recklessness, and zero stability.  My decision was to follow the path of those I wished to emulate and apply for post secondary education. The Bachelor of Arts program fit my profile but the pressure to decide on my future increased, and I had no idea who I was or what I wanted to do.  When my art professor presented her opinion  about 'being an Artist', she emphasized, 'prepare to be rejected, poor and suffer for your art.' This announcement  hurled me into a spin of oblivion for years to come. 

LOST in time without focus or ambition simplified life's basics. I learned how to waitress, bartend, make fast friends and survive. When I fell in love with photography, I happilly choose the path my art professor forecasted with ease and fearlessness.

Life was a gorgeous mystery leading me 'to know thyself'. The challenge was to discover what it meant to be a photographer, what kind of photographer, and where did I 'fit in' the industry, plus pay the bills. This was the renaissance of my career, full of incredible adventures where I dove into many creative outlets. From experimenting with 35mm, medium format film,  digital video, digital stills, music, performance art, modeling, acting and literature. I embraced being an ARTIST, thriving in the underground world of downtown Toronto, with other artists in the shadows of the night. It was turbulent, risky and fun. 

When I landed in South Beach Florida in 1996 for a tattoo convention, I found a porthole to another gorgeous universe.  AAahhhhh the 90's in South Beach was pure magic to me. Life in South Beach made me shine. I was spoiled by its natural magnificence and inspired by all the other international photographers shooting on location.  This was the first time I knew how it felt to be truly free, uninhibited and beautiful. Opportunity presented itself with photography projects and exhibitions. This was a time of rising and experiencing a life of celebrity.

The paths I have taken have truly been those less travelled and I would never trade for what could have been. It is my oppinion that the importance of ART in our world is paramount. Artists throughout the ages have always been barometers of civilization, mirrors of human nature and proof of our fleeting existence. Society needs to see itself in the physical expressions of art as reminders and check points in history. Therefore, an Artist  must be acknowledged, supported, and encouraged to develop their craft. It is the Artist who provokes us, persuades us, and pleases us at the core. And so, it is the Artist who remains diligent to preserve for the pursuit of art.   

Being an ARTIST in this life does include rejection, poverty, and all the dangers of self doubt plus the ever present pressure to compromise.  It is the Artist's collective disposition to be authentic, creative, enthusiastic, industrious, and expressive. It is mandatory to produce works of art to maintain a healthy sense of self and purpose in society. Therefore, being a LIVING ARTIST is a life long commitment of which I am resolved to always choose, and to suffer for it.  

KASHA McKee, Artist