According to a Queer Grrrl:Interview with the artist also known as Kitty Kaled

Karen Stewart, aka, Kitty Kaled , is an artist who’s been working on a career that started drawing band flyers, to becoming a well sought after tattoo artist to working with acrylics mediums on various sizes of canvas. She draws “inspiration from the world around me and reinterpret it, filtered through my imagination.” Shes thinks of her self being lucky and grateful that she can making a living from painting. She does not see herself as having a defined style, but rather would like the viewers of her work to create that for themselves. In her own words, a few answers to some of my burning questions.

1. How did you discover you wanted to create body art? When did you first start working on that aspect of your career?

The start of my career is rather a unique and blessed one. It was roughly 9 years ago when I lived in Barrie. I was working a minimum wage job that was going absolutely no where. I was madly in “love” with a musician and spent a lot of time drawing band flyers for him. Countless hours screwing around on photoshop and just cramming any free time I had drawing. Art and being able to see my work around town gave me a bit of that self esteem boost I needed from my talents. I really had no further plans to do anything with it. I just assumed that I would marry my partner have some kids and art would be my hobby. I had no real sense of direction at that time.

Inspired by the TV show, Dr Who. photo courtesy of Jillianne

Tattooing fell on my lap. I never sought out to be a tattoo artist like most people who get into the industry. I had a friend that was apprenticing and spent a lot of time with her while she was learning. It was her and her mentor that sought me out and suggested my talents could be applied into tattooing. It was a real gift to have people I respected see me as more than I saw myself. To see that I had gifts that were worth more value then a part time hobby. When I did my first tattoo we passed over the pig skin and went straight for my leg. I still have a small pink rabbit that I did. A reminder of my start….after that I got the “tattoo bug” I wanted to do more. I saw in myself a small spark that would eventually build into a huge fire of creativity.

2. What is your medium for your paintings? What do you find influences your work. Do you see yourself as having a “style” or is it not definable.

I work mostly in Acrylic based mediums. With a mixture of some special ingredients to add some spark to my work. I do want to start branching out into new mediums. I’m currently trying to learn about computer based programs and how useful they can be in my work. I love all art styles all forms. I maybe using acrylics now but who knows, in a year I could be using well just about anything. I love learning and knowing as much as I can. I never want to stop just keep growing…The Art world has so many options.

One of Karen’s originals: Murmaider

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Who or what doesn’t influence my work? I am bombarded everyday by pop culture, sci fi, horror, anything is up for grabs in my imagination….I’m a complete geek…I find my work to be a reflection of devotion to what I love. To draw inspiration from the world around me and reinterpret it, filtered through my imagination. To express it, to give it new life. My inspiration can be found in so many simple things to the grand. Either a book, movie or even a song. I have an over-active imagination some might see just a rock I see a universe. Inspirations comes from within and a compulsion to just create the world I see inside my head on the outside.

I also have been heavily influenced teaching my 5 year old nephew about art. That kid has taught me more than anyone else I have ever worked with. Perhaps, that’s what painting does for me…Let’s me express my inner child without contstaint. I’m lucky that people like what I do….Even if I never sold a piece I would keep going…It’s in my blood to never slow down. Images burn in my head and I will often go days without sleep to get them on canvas. Being one of the lucky few that can make a living out of painting is a gift I’m really grateful for.

3. Do you also do custom work? While i know it is sometimes difficult to price tag a painting, how is that determined?

I do commissioned work for clients. It’s nice to have people come to me specifically for my style. Years of tattooing actually helps with being able to work with clients to create together. As for specific price range like tattooing, it all depends on what the client is looking for. Painting is something I love but it is part of what I do professionally. Depending on the size of canvas, detail, and hours it takes for me to do a painting is how I base price. I usually ask for a deposit to cover costs of supplies before I start a new piece. I like to make it fair so both my client and myself walk away with a positive experience. I want to constantly evolve and change.

You can reach her on twitter @KittyKaled

words by shona