Artist in Residence: Kezz Brett
You may have seen the exciting and energetic artworks of Kezz Brett adorning the walls of Jumbled - some of you may have been lucky enough to get your hands on one of her pieces...they never seem to last very long.
Kezz has been working with colour and design all her life so to give more time to painting seems a given. In recent years she has really notched up the 'brush mileage' to supply fabulous fresh abstracts to Jumbled.
What makes your paintings different to others around?
A true love of colour, painting with no rules and just an innate quality of what works and what people want. Most of my work can be hung any which way - and that's why I don't sign the front. You can always make them fit your space!
How would you describe your artwork?
Each painting is a happy accident, which goes with the flow. I add and subtract as the painting develops and often I am surprised with the outcome. Colours and shapes are determined by whim.
Each painting is made up of multiple layers which add all the depth and definition, vim and vigour!
Do you have a favourite artist?
Yes, Van Gogh for his colour and vision - he painted under such dire circumstances. And Brett Whitely for his fluidity of stroke.
Who or what are you most inspired by at the moment?
Everything! I love flowers, lighting in nature, perfume from Paris, Marimekko fabrics...the list is never ending! I love the soft mint green and turquoise which looks amazing with pinks and oranges, lime and mauve. I love using house paints (the Dulux dog and I are great mates!) The bigger the tin, the bigger the brush, the bigger the canvas, and the bigger my involvement. I love using clashing colours and pushing the paint around the canvas.
How do you fit in your painting with your life?
I don't have to make time because I simply let everything else slip back a notch or two. Housework, ironing, paying bills etc don't seem to have priority when it comes to anything artistic.
Yes, I do get 'writer's block' and just have to ride it out (without resorting to drugs!) It's frustrating but unavoidable in a creative line of work - or in the pursuit of happiness. Paintings can take from 4 days to 4 weeks to complete and they can never duplicated (one of the main reasons I don't take on commissions.)
Describe your studio and your painting process.
I've got a huge studio at the back of my shop, where I stop and start depending on the flow of customers. I often help customers with paint up to my elbows and mint green in splatters on my shoes. It's a juggle but fun (and much better than book work) I'm lucky enough to have a light filled studio at home too so I can paint to my heart's content.
Your favourite place in the world?
This would have to be India and that is simply because of the colour – my heart beats the whole time I am travelling around India. The oranges, reds, saffron and hot pinks are so stunning and vibrant and I am moved when I travel there.
Orange’s best kept secret
I'm not telling! But we all love Orange for so many reasons!
