MEET KANNITHA LY
What was the inspiration behind your piece for SWELL Sculpture Festival 2022?
The inspiration of my work would have probably come from the nostalgia experienced when I received not too long ago a parcel with several old stamps on it.
What does exhibiting in the 20th year of SWELL Sculpture Festival mean to you?
Being a long time resident of the Gold Coast, exhibiting in the 20th year of Swell is very special to me. SWELL is a part of the Gold Coast landscape. It brings people together, embraces art and supports artists.
What is the coolest art tip you’ve ever received?
This was actually a design tip and probably isn’t really cool but it has stood true in my art practice and that is, ‘your first idea is your worst idea’.
Is It lonely working as an artist? If so, how do you combat that?
Generally I don’t mind working alone, music in the background helps. The only times that I do wish that there were another person around is when I need a second opinion on something that I am working on.
Do you believe pineapple belongs on pizza?
I love all things pineapple, so I am sorry that I am going to have to say yes.
What does your dream collaboration look like, and which artist/s would you chose?
I don’t know who I would choose but they would have to be completely off this planet, so we could create something that is totally unimaginable.
What is your favourite art supply store of all time?
I am yet to have a favourite art store, Jacksons Art would come close. Although I can say my favourite place to have bought art books was The Strand in New York. That place is pure joy!
If you could have lunch with any artist from any era, who would it be?
Eva Hesse for her progressive and bold thinking/artworks.
What is your favourite thing to do after completing a major project?
Anything I haven’t been able to do…nothing and everything!
What is the strangest thing or thought that has inspired a piece of your work, or practice?
I have many strange thoughts that are linked to art, to be revealed later.
If you had to pick one artist to create the story of your life through art, who would you pick and why?
I would probably choose Cindy Sherman for her playful yet honest way of probing identity.
Do you have an artist power outfit that you wear while creating?
No but now I wish I did have an artist power outfit, that sounds rather impressive. I just wear my everyday clothes which means all of my clothes inevitably end up having some remnants of ink or other traces of art on it.
The Author
Joss Smith is an emerging graphic designer based in Tweed Heads, loving everything visual and immersive. Her passion for the creative arts has led her to study a Bachelor of Visual Communication and Graphics. She hopes to balance her love for the arts, culture and nature with her strengths in communication and management to create wicked designs with wicked people.