Tim Kiarie

Age

23.

Your talent

Artist (a major talent, you can also share your love of Africa's wildlife capital with friends and send e-cards from the "Crazy About Kenya" website, courtesy of Tim's design house "Kiash Creative").

Where you're from?

Nairobi.

Why did you get interested in art?

All my life I've been into art, I thank god for the great talent. I'm currently a student finishing my diploma at a media arts college in Nairobi. I'm studying animation, web design graphics, video and audio production. It has helped me diversify a lot in my thinking, creativity and life..

What are you up to now?

I run my own business called "Kiash-Creative" - an outfit and avenue for the creative work I do. We are currently working on a website which will help to raise the profile of the business. I'm also a member of the "T-Skweyad" hip-hop collective (also called the "Tukuze Talanta Initiative," meaning "Let's Nurture Talent") - a fusion of art and music, which is concerned with nurturing young Kenyan talent.

Do you feel that Kenya is part of your art?

Kenya is a vibrant country with diverse cultures. What more could an artist want? Kenya is my home, but it's not just a location, it comes across in my vision and my work.

What was your best art exhibition or gig and why?

My best art gig was the "T-Skweyad" launch. It exceeded my expectations. We got 2,000 guys and almost 150 on the performing list. Due to the high profile of the gig, my art pieces are already sold out on the Internet.

Is there any place in Kenya that inspires you in terms of your art?

It has to be Nairobi, definitely - everything in the world is here, even the unexpected - it keeps you thinking and feeling creative.

If you could pick your dream wildlife destination in Kenya - where would it be and what would you get up to there?

I'd head to Samburu - camping in the bush would be a true inspiration, because the game reserve is art in itself.

What do you love about the Kenyan people?

They are fun, crazy (in a good way), peaceful and really hardworking.

Who out of your musical/artistic influences would make the best game viewing partner?

Common, an international music rapper/poet. We would create poetry from the experience, and later I'd love to do a video for him. I would probably also invite Agano & Labala of Wakamba Wawili and the guyz from the Ukoo Flani Mau Mau camp on the game drive - it would be a hoot.

Your best piece of art and why?

A piece called, exactly that, "Inspiration". It still makes me feel creative when I see it - and it drives me. It also helps me to concentrate on what's important and not what others say. Summed up it, gives me focus.

How does it feel to be in Kenya now - what are travellers missing out on?

Just ecstatic, I am always looking forward to seeing a new crazy Kenyan day. It's a peaceful place and the people make it a haven - add the great wildlife even just outside of Nairobi, and it's just an amazing destination.

Can you give adventurers the inside track on travel in your home destination - what should they bring to Kenya?

Bring some fun, a smile, and plenty of room for souvenirs. In other words, pack and then repack the backpack - or you'll be kicking yourself when you get to the markets and galleries.

What would be the first words you'd utter to a tourist if you hooked up with them on the street, and where's the first place you'd take them to in downtown Nairobi?

"Jambo!..And welcome to Nairobi. Fancy taking a walk to the local markets for artifacts?" Then we'd drop by to a central coffee house, linger in a few bookshops and maybe check out some art on the way.

"Must have" phrases for adventurers in Kenya?

"Mambo Vipi!" (Slang for How are things? or Hi)
"Poa!" (Slang for fine)
"Karibu!" (Welcome)

You can contact Tim Kiarie at:
» www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=576419494
» www.new.facebook.com/pages/tim-kiarie/18548576022