Phoenix Vendor Spotlight: Artifact Fine Art
Meet Leah Kiser, of Artifact Fine Art.
I'm a figure painter of characters. Satirical ideas and dark humor often inspire me, sort of like a cartoonist, but where I feel I differ is in my patience for details. I enjoy falling deep into the visual world to learn how things fit together realistically.
What sort of things inspire you?
I find inspiration in everyday life. Silly thoughts will often pop into my mind at inopportune moments and when they make me laugh out loud I start to think about how I can make that idea work on canvas (I have to admit -my kids are helpful in that part of the process). My ideas often seem childish, but the color and composition of my work has a more serious or mature feeling.
Are there any artists / designers that you particularly look up to?
I look at paintings by masters for inspiration on composition and color. Gustav Klimt, Degas, Van Gogh, other impressionist figure painters are usually a good start for me.
When do you feel the most creative?
I feel most creative when I'm alone. I paint in my garage and listen to sort of visceral music while I'm working -White Stripes, Bon Iver, El Ten Eleven, Adel, Postal Service. I like the way the music makes me feel. It puts me into a creative and active frame of mind.
I paint because it is therapeutic for me. I am more of a listener and observer. Words do not come easily for me, and when I make art I get to develop my ideas and understand the world from my humble perspective. When I share my hard work with others, I learn that many people do appreciate my way of thinking and the hard work that I do. It helps me feel valid (thank you, fans).
You can learn more about me on my website artifactfa.com
