Bridget Killian is a Kirkwood resident and 2019 graduate from Kirkwood High School. Currently, Bridget is the art editor for 14 East, DePaul’s student-run news magazine. She coordinates the illustrations and is also a contributing writer for the magazine.
Do you have a favorite story you have written for 14 East?
My favorite story that I have written is Untethered Souls. The story features a Black woman-owned bookstore called Soul Full located on the South Side of Chicago. Soul Full is a bookstore/lounge that offers space and resources to engage in conversations about mental health. The owner’s inspiration to open this shop came after she read the book No. 1 New York Times Bestseller “The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself.”
What inspires you?
I am inspired by the diversity and beauty of people, particularly women. Every person is different, and I try to capture that in my work. I hope to use my art to empower women and make them feel beautiful. I hope people who view my work will see themselves in it. My goal is to always stay positive and create a safe space for women of all backgrounds with my art. It is so important as an artist to represent everyone. Whether it is film, television, writing, or art, giving people something they can relate to is important for a sense of belonging. I want to make art for everyone, not just myself.
What is your favorite way to create art?
I use different media to draw, including oil paints and colored pencils, but my recent work has been digital. I have an iPad Pro that I use to draw. I enjoy drawing digitally because I can do it anywhere.
Do you have a favorite quote from a woman?
“Let your curiosity run away with you. Know that beyond every ordinary explanation there is a deeper and more exciting discovery to be made.” - Julie Andrews
I like this quote because curiosity is something that makes being a journalist, and an artist, so much fun. Curiosity is one of the most important traits of being a journalist. As an artist, you need to be curious to create new work. I am always curious about hearing lesser-known stories of how women are impacting their communities. To me, every small act leads to a greater change.
