Ka Oskar Ly is a multi-disciplinary artist who creates textile art, murals, installations, and events through the power of culture and identity. They co-founded Ua Si Creative, an artist collective that emerged out of ArtCrop.co.
How did you first discover your passion for art and music?
As a kid I always loved expressing myself artistically and using my imagination. I am Hmong, and so most places I grew up in knew little to nothing about our history and culture.
Who or what inspired you to become an artist? What currently inspires you?
My first artistic influences were from watching my own family sing, draw, make, and play. I love learning and exploring mediums and ideas that are new to me. Hmong people exist all over the world even though you will not see a country named after us. We have continued to integrate our cultural ways with the places and people we live among. This resilience is what keeps me inspired; we can bring forward traditions and reimagine them new as time changes.
Tell us more about your experience with Springboard for the Arts.
Springboard is a tremendous resource for artists. I attended my first artist career development workshop over 15 years ago. Over time, with their assistance, I was able to take on several creative community development projects and more recently established a collaborative business. They have supported some of the most significant milestones in my artistic career. Now I get to support other artists as an Artist Career Consultant (ACC).
