We Asked Kannitha Ly 12 Interesting Questions About Herself.
What was the inspiration behind your piece for SWELL Sculpture Festival 2023?
The inspiration for the work for Swell 2023 is partly derived from my discontent of living in a world with intolerance, disrespect, conflict and hate; yet conversely, seeing some form of progress in inclusion and equality from that of the past. There is a glimmer of hope, and collectively as people, we may change the trajectory to lead to a more unified society and culture.
SWELL is all about connecting people, art and place, how does your work help connect people, art and place?
My work directly speaks to people and place; such as through physically seeing movement and change, that of the shadows of the work projected on the site that it sits. It leans on art as a tool to encourage a sense of place, consciousness and contemplation.
You walk into a bar… what’s the first drink you order?
Espresso martini or a vodka lemon lime
What is your favourite meal to cook when trying to impress someone?
Desserts are more my forte, I do like making a hazelnut meringue torte with red wine poached pears
What advice do you have for emerging artists?
When you get down, keep getting up. Do what you love.
What was your first artwork? How did it inspire you to grow?
It’s difficult to pinpoint my first artwork. I guess I could say a linocut print from first year Uni. It was a fairly large print, and seeing something eventuate from nothing, experiencing the process and identifying the flaws, are always drivers to improve.
What was the biggest challenge you faced during the creation of your artwork?
The biggest challenge is always trying to physically create what you have thought up and the realisation that your strange scribble is not entirely practical. Brainstorming, redesign of the connections, construction methods and materials are always needed for the work to actually exist and to somewhat withstand the unpredictable exhibition environment.
If animals could talk, which one would you want to talk to?
Birds, as they are able to observe a lot of what’s going on.
In your opinion, how can artists support each other?
Just being there, interacting and working together. Being positive and encouraging and being a sounding board when needed.
If you were stranded on a desert island, but food, water and shelter weren’t an issue, what are the 3 things you would take with you and why?
Lip balm because I always seem to searching for one.
Snorkel set to see the sea life when I’m filling in time.
Satellite phone with an endless battery life to call someone for help if and when needed.
If you weren’t an artist, what would your profession be?
When I was young, I thought that I would be an architect and/or a high powered CEO … it could still happen…
Do you have a favourite song you like to play when working on your art?
I don’t have a favourite song, but I do play different genres based on the mood that I’m in or want to be in. It ranges from classical to hip-hop.
