Meet Kristen Mason-Elliot, IAVA’s newest member. We asked Kristen a few getting to know you questions.
What is your earliest memory of an interaction with art?
My earliest memories of art revolve around arts and craft. I remember raiding the arts and craft cupboard and creating a massive mess in the kitchen with my siblings. One of my other favourite things to do was to build sculptures out of playdough and houses out of toothpicks. Aside from arts and crafts, my all-time favourite thing was to create pencil drawings of our home growing up.
How would you describe your art practice?
My art practice primarily revolves around experimenting with monotypes and monoprints. Majority of my artworks involve landscapes and local scenes, in particular places of sentimental value. I get my inspiration from observing and immersing myself in an environment, I then incorporate this personal experience into my artwork. I enjoy working in a monochromatic colour palette as it allows me to focus on the highlights, shadows, texture and the basic elements in the image.
Do you have a favourite artist and/or artwork? What is it that makes them your favourite?
One of my recent favourite artists is a London printmaker Fiona Fouhy. The detail and complexity within her work amazes me. She creates monotypes of woodland scenes with numerous layers to create perspective. I have also drawn a lot of inspiration from Edgar Degas, a famous French printmaker whose work is incredibly emotive and gestural.
Most recent adventure or achievement?
My most recent achievement would be completing my bachelor’s degree in creative art. This allowed me to develop my art skills and helped me to establish my own unique style. I am also proudly part of a group called the Illawarra Art Collective and will be having an exhibition at the community access gallery in Wollongong Art Gallery on the 2nd of August.
Any current goals you’re working towards?
I am currently working towards the IAC exhibition in August. I also have a few commissioned works lined up that I am working on completing which is very exciting. This year I am working on being able to find the time to create new works and to continue to experiment.
