SPRAYGRAPHIC
Spraygraphic Interview with Artist Aunia Kahn
June 2009


SG: Please tell us about yourself?

AK: I'm 5’9, decided I like okra if cooked right this month, I have 6 animals, help in animal rescue, do talks about mental health and art as therapy, miss my Jeep (damn gas prices), recently fell in love with educational podcasts, a full time psychology student, have to wear socks to bed, enjoy guacamole immensely and I do art for a living.

SG: Where do you currently live and work?

AK: I live in Illinois and work from my studio. I get to spend a lot more time with my 6 animals this way, and I enjoy my workspace.

SG: What mediums do you work with?

AK: Everything, if I have it I will use it. I do everything from digital rendering, painting, photography, glasswork, jewelry, make music, and more….mediums have no limit, I am a creative addict.

SG: Describe your working process when creating a new work.

AK: When I first started to create art heavily in 2003/4 I just went with the flow. Ideas came as the work unfolded. I never really set out to make “x”, I just let it run like dripping paint. When I look back I can see where my inspiration must have been during that time of my life. A couple years later I wanted to be more of a planner with my work, so I started to sketch ideas and brainstorm. Lots of work came out of that process as well. Now I’m back again to the “going with the flow” kind of attitude. Planning art is fun, but can get monotonous, it’s nice as an artist to just let your brain have at it and see what emerges. My last 2 pieces of work threw me for a loop. I wasn’t expecting them, they surprised me, but in a good way if you know what I mean?

SG: What kind of things do you do when you get blocked or find it hard to create something?

AK: I listen to music and read; both are really inspiring to me. Words generate visions and so does music. I don’t get blocked very often because I’m working on so many projects it never really gets boring, overwhelming at times but not boring.

SG: Where are you currently finding your inspiration?

AK:I have been writing a few more poems for my book “Obvious Remote Chaos” which have been a vivid source of inspiration.

SG: Where has your work been seen?

AK:My work has been seen all over the USA and internationally. Some places include NY, MO, MD, MN, IL, TX, CA, VA, FL, DC, MA, MI, CO, OK, GA, TN, AZ, PA, WY, and OR, as well as internationally in France, Italy and Canada.

SG: What is your dream art assignment?

AK: My dream assignment is to open a gallery in a place I love, and get to experience all new art and help other artists emerge into the art scene.

SG: What is your favorite color?

AK: Depends on the day. I saw someone answer this question with an HTML code color chart, and since I am a graphic and web designer I thought it would be fitting to answer in color codes. Today I am really fond of #0d608f, but tomorrow it could be #61050e. I dislike yellow. It’s not a strong enough color for me. I am all about rich intense colors.

SG: Who is your favorite artist? And Why?

AK: Children are always my answer. There is something very real and untainted when it comes to children’s art. They make it, they love it and do not give a damn. It’s raw.

SG: What book/magazine are you reading this week?

AK: Yoga Magazine, The Dead Sea Scroll Translated, and school books.

SG: Ever do a self portrait? Where is it now?

AK: Most of my mixed media work is self-portraiture. I find it the most personal way to self reflect and grow. I don’t get the same kind of rush when working with models…so I don’t.

SG: Where is your favorite place to hang out?

AK: My studio, and anything place abandon and broken. I like to wander around the woods too.

SG: Any final words of advice?

AK: Breathe, it’s good for you.