Get to indulge and explore what the world looks like via the Camera lens from our Star of the Week Artist!
Kat Alyst
“You’re not wasting your time dreaming.”
– Kat Alyst.
Kat Alyst.
WAS THERE A PIVOTAL MOMENT WHEN YOU DECIDED TO FOLLOW YOUR PATH AS AN ARTIST?
“After years in multiple creative industries, I realized my core calling was to be an artist. I always pushed creative boundaries within a set of rules from every assigned brief. During the pandemic, I found my voice by revisiting self-portraits and released my first solo show and body of work titled “someone is trying to tell you something,” which focused on my experiences with mental health.”
CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR WORK FOR US?
” I create fictional worlds that don’t exist yet share authentic narratives through oddly familiar glances into the abstract through a stylized camera lens. Color theory in imagery often stems from experiences with synesthesia and dominates the storylines portrayed. Lonesome expressions leave hints of nostalgia and blur messages below their surface. Subjects who stare at the audience invite them in to briefly live in their world, whereas the ones who look away would rather not stay too long. In either instance, the duration of the gaze becomes a reflection of the piece.”
WHAT DOES YOUR WORK AIM TO SAY?
“There are personal experiences within each self-portrait. They are sharing various messages to support and create a safe space for anyone who can relate or needs to know they are not alone in their struggles or life experiences.”
Fish out of Water, Photograph by Kat Alyst.
Even Devils Sing the Blues, Photograph by Kat Alyst.
HOW DO YOU THINK YOUR WORK FITS WITHIN SOCIETY IN OUR PRESENT TIMES?
“My work speaks up for the foundations of the human experience, life struggles, and challenges.”
WHEN LOOKING BACK, WHAT ARTWORKS COME TO MINDA THAT MOST RELATE TO YOUR LIFE STORY?
“My self-portrait works from the last two years ago.”
WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCES?
“David LaChapelle.”
Caught Pink Handed, Photograph by Kat Alyst.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS?
“Every piece of work starts with a sketch or outline of the predominant message. From there, I gather materials and location scout for building the setting. Outfits are also outsourced and curated, or seamstresses are hired to re-create a fashion sketch. After the entire set is complete, costumes and wigs, I set up my photography gear and shoot 30 frames max. I only chose one image and printed one of them. This method treats each photo like a painting and connects to the more traditional ways of creating artwork.”
WHAT VISUAL REFERENCES DO YOU DRAW UPON IN YOUR WORK?
“I use the sketches and notes that are the first step in my process.”
ANY UPCOMING PROJECTS?
“I am currently working on a piece of work that will have a kitsch-inspired theme. There will be a group show with this work at The Shockboxx Gallery in Los Angeles. They are my gallery representation as well.”
Visit this artist’s website and discover more art by our Star of The Week!
www.mynameiskat.com
