Meet Katt Naz V.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Katt Naz V. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katt Naz, what inspires you?
I’m inspired by creativity and how we use it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I love to pay attention to detail and fully immerse myself in everything single thing I do or make, which is what I think sets me apart. With my artwork I do not create to only make a sale, it’s always deeper than that for me and my process is to take my time like that I can fully embrace it. This might not be a smart choice as a business but it’s what is true to my heart and practice. Thats why I work part-time on the side with artists, galleries and any creative that reaches out for help when I’m not in production mode. Giving me the freedom to create what I want and how I want it. I am a strong believer of creating the life you want, not the life that society tries to mold you to be. You can see the freedom of expression through my artwork and lifestyle, which in most cases intrigues the observers and leads them into wanting to know more.
My journey in mural production took off in 2018 when I got my first professional painter job for artist Michael Lin and worked a whole month to paint the entire floor of a pool area for a hotel in South Beach with a team of local artists. From there I made connections that would change my life and career forever. Thats how I met my great friend and colleague, Manu Montano owner of ArtOpsCrew, who brought me onto mural projects as a painter in 2020. Now five years later we’re working on expanding and educating the creative communities on how to do good work and get what you deserve.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
In my view I would take my friends out to do 1-2 fun things a day. Part of the reason to come to Asheville is to connect with nature and yourself, the other half is for exploring all the cool things this beautiful city has to offer. Even after the flood Helene brought, the city’s resilience shines through the communities journeys into opening new business’s or reopening in a new location they never expected. Asheville may still be recovering but it’s also healing and is in need of visitors to support all our local businesses and artists!

My Itinerary for Asheville, NC:

Day 1:
-Morning: Go on a 2-3 hr. hike at Catawba Falls.
-Sunset: Visit the Radical Hotel rooftop bar for drinks and the eat dinner in their restaurant Golden Hour downstairs.

Day 2:
-Morning: Walk to grab a coffee at PennyCup Coffee Co. then walk around the River Arts District and visit all the galleries, studios and stores in the R.A.D.
-Sunset: Visit Anoche Agave Spirits Bar and then check out the Grey Eagle for a show or some food.

Day 3:
-Morning: Walk the French Broad River Greenway after grabbing some breakfast at Ultra Coffee.

-Sunset: Visit New Belgium Brewery and have a bite at one of the food trucks there. After walk over to Burger Bar if it’s karaoke night or head to AfterGlow at The Radical hotel.

Day 4:
-Morning: Grab a coffee at Izzy’s Cafe and walk around Downtown, Asheville to visit all the local businesses. I’d also stop at the Asheville Museum that is in the middle of it all.
-Sunset: Have a night out in Downtown and South Slope area which is full of options.
*Music/Art venues: The Orange Peel, Rabbit Rabbit (Asheville Yards), Eulogy and Static Age. There are also about 15 galleries in the Downtown area with a mixture of works by local and nonlocal artists. There’s something for everyone to admire and buy, my personal favorite is Horse and Hero!

*Places to eat and drink: Little Chango, Andale Way Mexican restaurant, Shakey’s, Rankin Vault Cocktail Lounge (Get the BURGER!), Mellow Mushroom, Chai Pani, Burial and Visuals Rooftop. There are plenty more!

*Places to drink: Crow and Quill, Lazy Diamond, Antidote Cocktail Lounge & Coffee Bar, Citizen Vinyl, 27 Club, Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar, 5 Walnut Wine Bar, DSSOLVR, and The Tiki Easy Bar. There are plenty more!

Day 5:
-Morning: Visit The North Carolina Arboretum and walk the trails.
-Sunset: Make a reservation for Bull and Beggar and have a beer before next door at The Wedge Brewery.

Day 6:
-Morning: Have brunch at Mother’s and Cafe then head to Weaverville to walk around Lake Lousie.
-Sunset: Visit and walk the Riverside Cemetery then maybe catch a performance at The Montford Park Players, Asheville Community Theatre, Residency at 821, Revolve Gallery or Story Parlor.

Day 7:
-Morning: Visit The Light Center and hike one of their trails then head over to Cousins Cuban restaurant as they’re both in Black Mountain. It’s a cute town to walk around too!

There is plenty to do, just depends what you’re looking for.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to shout out two important groups of people that have helped shape me and my career. First off I’d like to shout out the local art community of Asheville, N.C. which is where I’m based out of. I’ve never witnessed or had the privilege to be part of such a supportive and cohesive community. The R.A.D. welcomed me with open arms and before the flood, going to Foundation Studios for Sketchbook Club was my favorite part of the week. I made lifelong friends there and am forever grateful I got be part of it before it was gone. I am looking forward to the new era of the R.A.D. and know it will be better than ever.
Second, I’d like to shout out my team in Miami, ArtOpsCrew, is an artist owned collective based out of Miami that handles all types of art operations from mural productions, talent search for projects, curation, creative consultation, project management and more. Check us out at Artopscrew.com!

Website: https://Kattnaz.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kattnaz

Twitter: @kattnaz

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtbyKattNaz

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/19nazareth89

Image Credits
Photographers:
-Black and white portraits by Julieta Fumberg ( www.instagram.com/artistjulietafumberg )
-Film work action shots by Jose Vargas ( www.instagram.com/tidur._)
-Digital work action shots by Jennifer Pedroso ( www.instagram.com/yellowstarphotography )
-“ReClaim The R.A.D.” Art Show that I co-curated with Rob Czar from Czart Gallery. A successful art show relief made to support local artists after the Flood, we sold out half of the show on opening night.