Killian Finn Paris Speaks to the World Through Art

CUMBERLAND, R.I. – For mixed-media artist Killian Finn Paris, creating art is a lifeline. "Much of my work focuses on my inner struggle with mental health and social isolation; as I don't leave my house much these days, my art is the way I communicate with the world around me," they told Artisan Joy.

Killian lives with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and agoraphobia, an anxiety disorder where a person fears and actively avoids specific environments.

The artist shared more about how they incorporate vintage postcards and recycled materials into their work, how art is their voice, what people often overlook about creative businesses, and how we can support creative entrepreneurs without spending a dime. Check out Killian's interview below.

Tell us about your art.

I most often work in mixed-media collage, collecting patterned papers, stamps, photos and other ephemera from local thrift and recycling stores. I combine these materials into unique, exciting displays of emotion, often expressing excitement and/or inner turmoil. Beyond mixed media collage, I am also enamored with printmaking, especially screen-printing. The most exciting part of my process, to me, is watching the various pieces come together to convey a cohesive (or sometimes intentionally chaotic) idea, tone, or feeling, despite how different the materials may initially seem.

How did you become interested in this work?

My fascination with mixed media collage began in 2023, when I stumbled upon Postcrossing, an online platform for exchanging postcards globally. Not only did I fall in love with the intimacy of sending handwritten postcards/letters, but I came to realize that the art of sending postcards is not valued by younger generations, as electronic communication is much more timely and cost-efficient. From that moment on, I began searching for vintage, hand-drawn, or otherwise unique postcards to repurpose in my art and give them new life. I believe sustainability is one of the most important considerations at play in my work because the history of postcards is rich, broad and worth preserving in art history.

What did starting your business actually entail?

My online storefront journey is still in its infancy, but keeping my business sustainable starts with the materials I source and how I manage to use them. I make sure to thrift and recycle materials as much as I can, as it diversifies my collection of materials and contributes to the local art scene, providing recycled materials for fellow Rhode Island artists. Setting up my online art portfolio was arduous, but very well worth the time and energy; I find that people are most interested in navigating the website for themselves, picking what artistic avenues interest them the most and exploring those on their own terms, rather than being force-fed suggestions by social media algorithms alone.

Where did your first customers come from?

My first customers have been largely family and friends from my hometown or my time at Roger Williams University in Bristol, RI. I have sold smaller works (ACEOs, which are "artist card originals/editions" and postcards); I am gearing up to sell larger prints once I have a stronger foothold in my local art scene.

How have your community and values shaped your business?

My community has shaped my work profoundly in many ways: the most valuable resource I have at my disposal is the Creative Resource Center (CRC) in Providence, RI, which saves reusable materials from the landfill and sells them at affordable prices. It also offers a community space for artists to connect. Before I learned about the CRC, I struggled to find affordable art materials beyond thrift stores (which are amazing, but typically not focused on organizing or selling art supplies). The values of the CRC — sustainability, community, and innovative thinking —lifelong passions of mine.

How has your disability shaped your creative work?

I use my art as a platform for my voice, ideas and beliefs, which is essential for my mental health. Without my art to speak for me, I would be left without a voice because my disability prevents me from appearing in public spaces physically.

What are you working on now?

I just bought a new screen-printing setup for working at home, since I graduated from Roger Williams University and no longer have access to their screens and inks. I am very excited to learn how to organize my space for a new medium, and I look forward to playing with various techniques to yield new and interesting designs, effects, and/or textures in my prints.

What's something about running a creative business you wish more people understood?

Most of my art projects take hours, days or even weeks to complete, but they rarely get more than one day's worth of interactions on social media. When a loved one posts their art on social media, it is a great idea to support them by leaving a positive comment or even reposting their art on your page. Many people believe that the only way to support artists or small businesses is to buy from their shops or support monetarily, but a positive comment and a 'nice job' from a friend or family member can be worth more than any piece could sell for.

What's the most useful piece of advice you'd give to someone just starting their creative business?

Making what sells may make you money in the long run, but making what you are passionate about will feed your passion and will shape you into a more authentic version of yourself. I find it is always better to be yourself and fall in love with your own message and medium.

What brings you joy outside of your work?

I love listening to music, especially indie/folk (Gregory Alan Isakov), new wave (Oingo Boingo), punk and folk-punk (Matt Pless, Dead Kennedys, SOFT PLAY), and most of all, musical theatre! My favorite movie musicals right now are "Little Shop of Horrors," "The Music Man" and "Phantom of the Paradise." The most recent Broadway musical I have seen was "Chess," during its closing weekend in July 2026.

Thanks, Killian! You can learn more about their work at https://333kfp.wixsite.com/forthright.

Editor’s note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity.