Kara Gillett probably wouldn’t say that she’s a tough cookie, but even putting her alter ego, ‘Space Girl’ aside, we think she is.  Deciding somewhere amidst studying fashion design that all she really wanted to do was adorn canvases with colour and pop art inspired caricatures, Kara has been thrashing it out art in the big kid’s art world ever since, and with some good results.

Her feminine subjects often depict a sense of super hero strength (not to mention bangin’ bodies that would put wonder woman to shame), but they also ellude to deeper sense of human resilience, and the idea of the ‘alter ego’. Kara describes her characters as “an outlet for the extraordinary” – from which she adds a kind of visual moniker of who she’s always wanted to be. 

Invurt had a quick chat to Kara about her recent collaboration with Nish Cash, in the aptly named exhibition AlterEgo – a show in which she sol d out the majority of her work (theres one left, see the image down the bottom!) – and, she also explained to us how she came about creating her work in the first place …

So, lets quickly talk about your recent show! That’s one god damn sexy poster I must say – the name of it was “AlterEgo” – what does this mean to you?

Hey Leah, thanks!  I’m glad you like.  For me, an AlterEgo is an outlet for the extraordinary.  Someone you can be when you are feeling awesome & capable of greatness!  It’s a magical feeling when we accomplish something either personally or creatively that we are completely happy with.

Do you think we all have an alter ego/egos? Mine would be Leah Super Legend Face, just so you know …

I hope so!  I think the world would be pretty humdrum without them.  No one would ever push themselves or have moments when they thought they were amazing!

How did you come across SpaceGirl?

The idea for SpaceGirl began a few years ago on a bit of a different vibe…I studied fashion design at TAFE and used to toy around a lot with the idea of wearing clothes as a form of social armour.  When I was younger, I was very concerned with what others thought of me, & thought if I projected a certain image of myself through my outward appearance, I could protect myself from any negative opinions I may get from those around me.  By the time I finished my course,  I realised I really just loved doing art, and the idea of armour kind of morphed into a SpaceGirl through my sketches & eventually she found her way onto my canvases. 

SpaceGirl became the person I wanted to be….she didn’t care what people thought of her, she dressed how she felt & lived her life the way she wanted without needing verification from others.  Now I imagine that SpaceGirl flies around the universe being her awesome self & basically helping people figure out how to feel great about themselves.  I have stickers that say ‘Call 1500SpaceGirl’ – it’s to remind us that we are fantastic & perfect as we are.  And we’re the only ones who need to believe that for it to be true.

Back to your show for a minute, it was a collaboration with Nish Cash.  How do you find artistic collaborations? Is it easier than doing a solo show?

The collaboration with Nish has been great.  She’s been easy to work with as she’s been organised & proactive. We knew our art would sit well together, because we enjoy similar aesthetics but express them in different ways.  Nish is super talented.  We also thought the fact that our chosen mediums give opposite overall effects would be a nice point of difference. ie Nish’s aerosol techniques give a softer feel whereas my acrylics give a sharper feel.

To actually do a suçcessful piece with another artist is a bit trickier…I think you need to have an almost uncanny connection & a huge amount of respect for each other.  It takes a pretty special partnership to get it right.

 
How long have you been producing art for public consumption? Do you ever get self conscious about your work? Or do you tell critics to go stuff it?

I’ve only been putting out canvases for about four years.  I’ve just been involved in a few group shows really so i don’t know that any ‘critics’ have even seen it!! 

Sometimes I feel a bit self conscious about my work but I reckon I’d be my own worst critic in terms of what needs improving etc. At the end of the day though, the most important thing to me is that I’m happy with what I’m producing.  If other people like it as well that’s a bonus…if they like it enough to buy it then YAY!!  That’s rad.

What sort of techniques do you use, and do they differ?

I’m completely self taught so I just do whatever I’ve gotta do to make the canvas right.  That’s my technique – doing whatever it takes to get it there.

Heavily influenced by comic book imagery and pop art, your work packs a super sonic punch! Why do you think you prefer this type of visual, alternate reality?

… because I’m totally in LOVE with colour!!!  A beautiful rich colour does something to my insides.  And I like to make an impact.  I don’t do pastels.  Or beige.  What is that poor excuse for a colour anyway?  It doesn’t say anything to me.  And because Superheroes rule.  They just do.

How do you think the art scene in Adelaide is perceived compared to what it is actually like? Has the scene changed at all in the last few years?

I don’t know the answer to that one because I’m not part of a scene.  Or the scene.  Whatever that is! I do know a few people who hang out in Adelaide & so some super cool & exceptionally talented shit. 

If there was one city you could adorn your works with, which one would it be?

It would be a compliment to have my art in any city!  But if I got to chose….New York baby!! The birthplace of Pop Art.  For sure.

What would you say to those who thought you couldn’t make it as an artist? (If there ever was anyone)

Well that’s an easy one Leah: To those pessimistic low life fuktards I’d say….suck….my….BALLS!!