Preferred Artist Name: Kila (Key-la)
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kilas_strange_world_of_art
Artist Bio
Carolina Guzman is a Stockton/ Vallejo based queer disabled artist. They also go by the name Kila (Key-la) when displaying their artwork. They strive to be a well-rounded artist in a multitude of mediums. Although their fondness for printmaking can be seen in the detail they give to linocut. Their other more traditional works include realistic landscapes and mythological creatures.
Artist Statement
As an artist, I strive to be well rounded in many different mediums. Painting, drawing, sketching, and creating have always been a part of my life. I adore animating and digital drawing/designing as it was originally what I was set to major in. Most recently I have been delving into jewelry making and crafting in general, with whatever tools and materials are available to me. However, as I find myself delving deeper into printmaking, I can't stop myself from enjoying the craft. My love for printmaking began in Professor Santee’s class. I initially took the class out of curiosity. The inclusion I felt in that class eased the anxiety I felt going back to school after being severely sick for a few years. I was rather nervous as I had not talked to anyone outside my family since falling ill. I grew to understand the different methods of printmaking and thus my love for the craft began. It encouraged me to push past what I was comfortable expressing about myself. It was uncomfortable at first to show this side of myself to strangers. However, that uncomfortableness allowed me to not only show but advocate for all the subgroups I belong to. The subgroups like the disabled, queer, minorities, goths, and all the others that make me a better artist. Without realizing it, printmaking was a catalyst that allowed me to be okay with expressing who I am and to stand up for what I believe to be true.
Work Statement
Lovers Not Entertainment was made in partnership with LGBTQ+ Advocacy through the Arts. The inspiration for this print was made due to my past experiences witnessing women being together being fetishized not only by society but also by the media. So, I wanted to display 2 goth women sharing a gentle kiss with their eyes closed simply enjoying each other's presence. My wife and I are both goth, so it was important to illustrate goth women specifically due to us having witnessed people fetishizing others like us. I originally used a rainbow roll consisting of red, white and orange to represent the lesbian flag, although I myself am bisexual, I believe the fetishization of lesbians to be more prominent. However, black ink was used on this specific print for uniformity with my fellow artists.
Lovers Not Entertainment
Linocut on paper
18” x 12” print / paper 22” x 16” / 27.5” x 20.5” frame
2026
NFS
LGBTQ+ Advocacy through the Arts
Printmaking Demonstration
Trans Day of Visibility and Project Event
April 2, 2026