Creative Profile: Kylie Washington
A short interview of Inner West artist, Kylie Washington by her wife, Sophia Zachariou.
Sophia: So Kylie, tell me, how you would describe what kind of artist are you? KW: I’m a mixed media artist based here on Gadigal land. I work with traditional painting, collage, animated video, photography and digital collage. Sophia: Can you tell me about - ‘your journey’ with art to date? KW: Art has always been a constant in my life. I love exploring and playing with different mediums. I’m a big gardener - so there is simply nothing better than going between painting and gardening. My paintings feature a lot of botanical themes. I have built a career in making TV which is a very collaborative industry, every show you make is the combined efforts and talents of many coming together. My art practice is the antitheses to that - it’s just me! No stakeholders, no on-screen talent, no cheer leading everyone through a shoot. Just me and whatever it is I am trying to explore. It’s very raw. Sometimes when I finish a piece and stand back, I feel very exposed, looking at what I have poured into it. But I get a lot out of my practice – it gives a great creative balance in my life. I’m learning about the different pathways to get my work out there. I don’t want to sit alone with it, I want to send it out to the world and let it find its audience. (The TV producer in me can’t help but look for that audience!). Recently, I made a TV show for ABC, where we explored how making art changes neurological pathways in your mind. How it helps process, manage and heal. We discovered how art gives us meaning and helps us understand our world. I love how when we create art, we elevate our mood, we improve our ability to problem solve, and open our minds to new ideas.
Sophia: So Kylie, tell me, how you would describe what kind of artist are you? KW: I’m a mixed media artist based here on Gadigal land. I work with traditional painting, collage, animated video, photography and digital collage. Sophia: Can you tell me about - ‘your journey’ with art to date? KW: Art has always been a constant in my life. I love exploring and playing with different mediums. I’m a big gardener - so there is simply nothing better than going between painting and gardening. My paintings feature a lot of botanical themes. I have built a career in making TV which is a very collaborative industry, every show you make is the combined efforts and talents of many coming together. My art practice is the antitheses to that - it’s just me! No stakeholders, no on-screen talent, no cheer leading everyone through a shoot. Just me and whatever it is I am trying to explore. It’s very raw. Sometimes when I finish a piece and stand back, I feel very exposed, looking at what I have poured into it. But I get a lot out of my practice – it gives a great creative balance in my life. I’m learning about the different pathways to get my work out there. I don’t want to sit alone with it, I want to send it out to the world and let it find its audience. (The TV producer in me can’t help but look for that audience!). Recently, I made a TV show for ABC, where we explored how making art changes neurological pathways in your mind. How it helps process, manage and heal. We discovered how art gives us meaning and helps us understand our world. I love how when we create art, we elevate our mood, we improve our ability to problem solve, and open our minds to new ideas.
Sophia: That was ‘Space 22’ right? So how would you describe where you are you right now with your art?
KW: Yes alright, well over the past two years, since that show, I have been making a lot more work and been part of a number of exhibitions and had my first commissions. I’ve had a few animated art videos that were commissioned to play in buildings in the CBD. For me taking my 2D analogue work and turning them into moving images was a very natural thing for me to do of course. I have had the pleasure of working with a really talented animator, Isobel Knowles. Sophia: Yes I have watched you build up your body of work whilst I have been running our domestic life! Tell me about your supportive wife?! KW: Yes Sophia, it’s true I have a very supportive wife! She used to be an artist herself before also becoming a TV producer. So, she understands the trials and tribulations of creating work and trying to get it out into the world. She understands this is something I get so much out of and how it’s become such an important part of my life. So she’s very happy cooking and doing all the laundry. I mean she’s amazing! Sophia: Ha ha. It’s all about balance, isn’t it? The juggle of career, kids, responsibilities whilst building a body of work. KW: Yes, I find those moments throughout my days and weeks to keep building. I’m focused on progressing my work, finding great collaborators (keep doing the animation work and find interior designers too), finding an audience (there it is again!!), find representation (when the time is right), and most importantly continuing to enjoy what I do. The minute that stops, then that’s a problem! Thanks for interviewing me - you were tough but fair. Sophia: You’re welcome. Michelle asked me and I was tempted to really grill you! Follow Kylie Washington's journey IG: kyliewashington_art Web: www.kyliewashington.com YouTube: @kyliewashington_art