FEATURED ARTIST | keia tamsin

How did you first get into art? 

My parents left me unattended at age two for a little while and I painted our television blue. I pretty much haven't stopped doing anything creative since then. But I've only been working and exhibiting as an artist as of this year.

Who's artwork are you hyped on at the moment? 

All time favourites that first come to mind are Del Kathryn Barton and Miso (Stanislava Pinchuk). But I get excited and inspired by everything; I take any opportunity I can to view other artists' work, I love seeing what other locals are doing especially, it makes me want to push to get better usually.

How do you feel about Perth's growing creative scene? It seems like the "Jump-Ship-To-Melbourne/Sydney" move for young creatives is now on the decline. 

I turned down a big opportunity to go to Melbourne years ago; I love Perth, I'd move internationally but at this stage if I'm in Australia I'll be in Perth. I think we can use the isolation and smallness of the community to our advantage for sure in lots of ways, there's huge opportunities to make your mark and mould things here because of it. I think people are starting to see how much this city is slowly growing in terms of the arts and how the boredom can sometimes be more inspiring and driving sometimes - we get to make our own fun.

 

What do you think social media has done for artists over the last year or two? 

I've had so many opportunities arise purely because of social media - I started posting photos of paintings and drawings just for my friends and family to see recently on Facebook and Instagram and since doing that I've had an artists organisation, local galleries and a gallery in London all contact me with work and exhibition offers, and it can be an effective way to sell certain art. I think it's definitely a legitimate way to get your work out there and seen by a volume of viewers.

Any advice for young artists? 

Put yourself out there whenever you can do so. Get involved in anything and everything you think is exciting and inspiring. Put your hand up to help other artists or work with other creatives whenever you can. Own your style and what you do. Work hard and consistently put new work out there; you learn and improve with every new piece and get a little closer to where you want to be. Be genuine. Be nice to people.

 

How was painting live in Photo Bomb last week? Was there a feeling of being under pressure with all eyes on you? 

Honestly it was terrifying and I was worrying about it for weeks leading up to it - it was my first ever live art experience and I'm not very good with crowds under the best of circumstances, my first few bits of my piece were all wobbly because my hands were shaking so much. But once I got started I enjoyed it so much and it was super encouraging to see people respond positively to me. I can see how live art could get addictive.
 

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