PAINTER POET: JODEE KNOWLES

I seem to be surrounded by artists, particularly young ones, passionate ones, Harvard graduates, child geniuses, shy closet creatives doing six projects at once, each excelling humbly. In this spirit, I recently interviewed fellow Perthian – artist and curator Jodee Knowles hailing from Western Australia. She explains her work as a process in which: “Once removing me as the artist, who suffered this process, the works become any individual’s moments.” My kind of artistry. Enjoy Jodee.

Jodee stands beside one of her murals for Artrage, Australia

SW: What kind of things did you play with as a child?

JK: Mainly dolls. I would make my younger sister always play Ken and I would be Barbie and we would live out the truest of loves. I have never really been into sports or outdoor activities, so the only other option is dolls.

SW: Who is your artistic idol or icon?

Milan Kundera

JK: My favourite artist is Matthew Barney, his work is nothing like my own, however, his process inspires me, the tiny little steps he takes to create something so massive. I also love Milan Kundera the author, his words inspire all of my work.

SW: What is your process as an artist? Do you need a stable base to create freely from, or do you live freely in order to create freely?

JK: I can not create unless I am truly inspired or have a strong concept to work with. I used to get a lot of commission work, people who wanted themselves or loved ones drawn, but i have had to say no to this as it is so hard taking someone else idea of what they want and placing my style of work into that, they always end up looking terrible. I can’t just draw for the sake of drawing.

SW: How does a painting come to you? How do you decide what to paint?

JK: My work is heavily based on the human condition and the emotional state of mind that makes or breaks a happy existence. My portraits are a reflection of ones memories and expectations, in which the concept of an intoxicating other is celebrated or hated. My characters attempt to awaken forgotten memories and desired longings. By thematically dealing with the feeling of being torn between addiction and satisfaction, between excess and boredom, I attempt to confuse my public’s senses and breach space, time and feeling.

The works portray my own existence, where extreme experiences, fear and obsession collide. I am always hungry for emotional familiarity and am addicted to the chaotic environment of them. Each work represents and displays my connection with individuals who are involved in my life emotionally, and whose existence causes me to constantly question my own. My works are simply created for your emotional experience and pleasure. Once removing me as the artist, who suffered this process, the works become any individual’s moments.

SW: If you could live a parallel life, where and/or who would you be being?

JK: Definitely Bill Murray.

SW: What has been your greatest achievement or accomplishment so far?

JK: My recent first solo show in Sydney this year, it was an overwhelming experience. I had been doing group shows for the past 5 years so I could never really tell if I had a following. Selling every work on opening night was a massive realisation that I needed to take this more seriously and really make this my life. So that is what I am doing. Trying.

Doing and winning, I say! Thanks for your answers Jodee. I hope you receive all that you have ever asked for, infinitely. Visitors may visit Jodee’s website HERE: peruse ‘In A World of Things Without Weight’, and view images named ‘Spending Time Drinking Money.’  Interesting? I love the way the artist brain works. May there forever be more artist brains at work, from birth until death, til death do us part! Artistry unite!