Interview: 10 Questions With The TERRIFYINGLY AMAZING Kamila Mlynarczyk!

10 Questions With Kamila Mlynarczyk
Kamila Mlynarczyk
facebook: Kamila Mlynarczyk Woodedwoods Facebook Page
images copyright  Kamila Mlynarczyk

 1.... what medium and tools do you use to create art? 

I use black pen to sketch, if I like the gesture and movement and idea of a sketch I'll continue with washes of acrylic paint. I've never been one to use pencil, I like the permanence of pen- forces me to make every stroke count and I know there's no room for mistakes.

My sculpture are mixed media, start with a wire armature then polymer clay. I paint with acrylics, use real hair and wool. I use vintage fabrics and lace for the costuming, I also age, stain and distress the fabric so it looks worn and old.

 2.... what is your creative process when making art? 

 I try to draw everyday, every week I have one or two days where I'm just "on" and I can't put down my pen- usually everything around me is put on hold until I can get my ideas down on paper.

My sculpting is a lot like my drawing, I work in energetic bursts. I never plan what I'm going to sculpt or draw, I may have an idea but I let it happen. My best work comes when I'm not forcing anything to happen, very organically- thats why its very hard for me to accept commissions, I like the freedom of letting whatever comes to happen.

3.... who are your favorite artists?

My biggest inspiration is Edward Gorey, I found his work at my local library when I was very young and just fell in love with his darkness- his work was the most interesting thing I had ever seen at that age and it really just let me know there was a place in this world for the things I loved and found interesting and wanted to pursue.

I also love the aesthetic of the children's books illustrators of the golden age-
Edmund Dulac, Aubrey Beardsley, Arthur Rackham etc.

4.... for you what is the biggest motivation to create art? 

I've always drawn, as far back as I can remember. I guess my motivation is to express my ideas and feelings, tell the stories I want to share, and to satisfy that urge to create. I'd be lost if I couldn't draw or sculpt. I think I can do a way better job of expressing my feelings through art than talking- it's how I communicate best. It's what I have to offer, in school when I was young there were charismatic people and funny and beautiful people and what I had to share was my art and its how I got to know people and made friends.

5.... what attracted you to the genre of art you work in? 

I've been drawn to ghost stories and dark humor all my life, sometimes it landed me in a lot of trouble but it's what I found fascinating and addictive. It couldn't have been anything else for me, I can only be passionate and obsessed with what I love and what I love are monsters and the dark side of humanity.

6.... where would you like to see your art career in ten years

I just want to create as much as I can and share it with as many people as I can. I'd love to write and illustrate my own children's book and want to continue to make big scary sweet sculptures and display them in galleries around the world. If I can make a living at it that's awesome too, but if I can't it definitely won't slow me down.

7.... do you feel its important to follow your passion in your career?

It's all I'm about. People would say sometimes to my detriment but everything I make I want it to be filled with passion and love and wonder. If I do that then it shows and it can move people that look at or buy my artwork and i think its the most important thing.

8.... what is the secret to creating a great piece of art? 

Not holding back, not censoring yourself not playing it safe. You need to be brave and stand by your ideas no matter how idiotic they are. Not everyone will understand what you're doing but that's okay.

9.... how and when do you get your best ideas? 

I try to read about a lot of topics that fascinate me, ideas come when you keep your mind busy and well fed on knowledge- they come organically.

Another time I get my best ideas is when I'm in a very low place emotionally, my humor gets really dark and I can poke fun at myself through my drawings and it makes my problems seem not so dark and heavy when I can share them and laugh.

10.... if you could give other artists one piece of advice what would it be?

Always be doing what you love, do it obsessively and you'll find your way, your style your whatever- but just work, draw do it all. the. time.