Between Worlds: A Conversation with Kya Shipman and Bri Liams

Stepping into the Detroit art scene is like stepping into an intricate web of history, culture, and raw creative energy. Few understand this better than Kya Shipman, Creative Director, and artist who has found a home in the city's vibrant creative landscape. Originally from the East Coast, Kya's journey has taken her through New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington D.C., each city shaping her artistic identity before she landed in Detroit.

“Detroit has all these different communities that match and intertwine with one another,” Kya reflects. “It was kind of easy. And it did remind me of New York a lot, because one thing I was craving in my move was this sense of community—among different ethnicities, different creatives. Detroit gives you that.”

In our conversation, Kya and I touched on everything from the evolution of her artistry to the intersections of faith, creativity, and community. In her role as a Gallery Assistant at Library Street Collective, she was on the frontlines of Detroit’s art movement, helping shape exhibitions and narratives while drawing inspiration from figures like Tyree Guyton.

“His work has this chaos and refinement that I really lean into,” Kya says, referencing Guyton’s famed Heidelberg Project. “I feel like I want to be that—a rugged but refined artist who still brings that sense of controlled chaos.”

But what does it mean to navigate Detroit’s art scene as a non-native? For Kya, it’s about embracing the fluidity of identity and space. She is still defining her artistic voice, yet she feels at home in a city that allows for both experimentation and deep-rooted connection.

On Faith, Spirit, and the Art of Surrender

As we weave through discussions of art, our conversation takes a turn toward faith—an often unspoken force in creative spaces. Kya discusses, “My relationship with spirituality doesn’t always align with traditional religious doctrine, but I find myself deeply connected to the idea of leaving room for something bigger than myself in my work.”

She tells us, “This philosophy also guides my nonprofit work with Duffe, a project born from the desire to create something meaningful without being driven by financial gain. It’s a humbling experience—one that forces me to trust the process, even when it challenges my own timelines and expectations.” Kya is the visionary founder of Duffe, a nonprofit and social enterprise dedicated to uplifting and empowering creatives across all disciplines. More than just an organization, Duffe serves as a catalyst for artistic growth, providing resources, visibility, and support to those striving to make their mark. 

Building Community, Reimagining Events

Kya, too, understands the importance of accessibility in the arts. As we discuss event planning, she emphasizes keeping experiences affordable and community-focused.  Rooted in the belief that thriving creative communities are the heartbeat of cultural innovation, Kya’s mission extends beyond individual success—it’s about fostering a collective space where artists can flourish, collaborate, and inspire one another. Her work with Duffe is centered around making creativity an inclusive experience rather than a luxury.

“My whole thing is, it’s a nonprofit, it’s for the community. I don’t ever want to charge too much,” Kya explains. “I’ve thought about making some things as low as a dollar just to make sure no one feels left out.”

For Kya, whether it ranges from a carnival-style block party fundraiser to an amazing fashion show and art event, the goal remains the same: to cultivate spaces where art, culture, and people can intersect freely.

Art, Work, and the Need for Balance

Somewhere between all of this—between our musings on faith, art, and geopolitics—there is the reality of work. Kya admits she’s obsessed with it, a sentiment I can relate to. But as creatives, we also know that balance is necessary.

“I love going out and doing things,” Kya says, laughing. “But work just pulls me in.” We talk about small joys, the quiet moments that make the chaos worthwhile, and the never-ending push to create something bigger than ourselves.

A Year of Momentum

2024 was an active year for Kya—she recently graduated from the College for Creative Studies, marking a new chapter in her artistic journey. That summer, she elevated her work through a collaboration with Taylor Childs Studios and the Liquor Basket, curating the private fashion show "Luminary" in July. She also played a pivotal role in Design Core Detroit’s Month of Design, co-curating "Cartoons and Cereal" alongside Danny Parker, an exhibition showcasing a bold fusion of nostalgia and contemporary artistry. Additionally, she collaborated with Xhibition Detroit and The Spot Productions to curate "What’s the Hype", an event that pushed the boundaries of art and fashion. Beyond curation, Kya expanded her creative reach into spatial design, co-designing the set for APEX with Taylor Childs, proving once again that her vision extends beyond traditional boundaries.

Closing Thoughts: The Ever-Evolving Vision

This conversation with Kya is a reminder of why we do what we do. Art is never just about the work itself—it’s about the community, the moments of surrender, the willingness to grow and adapt. As Detroit’s creative scene continues to evolve, so do we.

Through projects like Duffe, through the exhibitions Kya helps shape, through the raw interactions between artists, we are building something greater. Something that lasts.

And in the end, that’s what matters.