Artist of the Week: Jade Klara

A key phrase in other aspects of my life right now is "global lens". It the concept or approach of taking a look at what you are doing through a more global perspective. With that concept floating through my thoughts I thought I would reach out to an artist this week that was not only from a different country but perhaps approaching her art and communication through a more global lens.

Jade Klara is based in South Africa and creates images that are both the sweet and slightly unsettling. It's through her illustrations that she the stories and define who she is and the culture she lives in.

Recently, Jade was kind enough to answer a few of my questions.

Orange Alert (OA): Your bio says that you draw influence from both South Africian Lifestyle and Japanese Kawaii. How did you come two draw upon two diverse cultures, and being from South Africa would role does it specifically play in your work?
Jade Klara (JK): South Africa plays a big part in my work. I love places like Knysna with its thick soupy jungles and I try to create worlds with this in mind. South Africa also has a collective sense of strength, sadness, hope, fear and celebration that I draw on. Years ago I really got into Japanese culture. I love the personalities that come through the strangest places. Hayao Miyazaki, Yoshitomo Nara and Aya Takano are also a huge inspiration.

OA: The figures in your paintings are filled with emotion, but in most pieces it is challenging to determine which emotion they are displaying. Is this by design? Is it more up to the viewer to determine whether the figure is sad, happy, or content?
JK: It is up to the viewer to determine my figures emotions. They really create themselves, I try to stay out of the process, heehee. To me, they seem to have been caught in a moment and through this, you are able to connect with them and the story.

OA: Two quick themes in your work would be nature and young girls. Is it the combination of innocence and unknown that inguires you? Why have you chosen these themes?
JK: It is up to the viewer to determine my figures emotions. They really create themselves, I try to stay out of the process, heehee. To me, they seem to have been caught in a moment and through this, you are able to connect with them and the story.

OA: Do you feel your color selection helps you create specific emotions? Do you have a set palate that you tend you utilize in your illustrations?
JK: I don’t really have a set palette but I’m usually drawn toward muted colors. Gloomy colors that make you feel like you’re looking out of the window on a rainy day. Softer colors help me create a mood that works with my characters.

OA: I loved the little animated video on your site, Diva Dive. Why did you chose to animate those images and do you see yourself doing more animation?
JK: I just love stories so I am definitely drawn toward animation and I would love to do more in the future.

OA: What's next for Jade Klara?
JK: Right now I’m working on a collection for C.A.V.E gallery’s The Way of Flow show and then on a group show at Salon91 titled Spookasem. I’m also working on an illustrated storybook.

Bonus Questions:

OA: If you could site down to coffee with anyone (alive or dead) who would it be?
JK: Hmm … maybe Mark Ryden for some painting tips.

OA: What type of music do you enjoy and who are a few of your favorites?
JK: I love all music but lately I have been listening to some Beirut, Beatles, and Final Fantasy. One of my favorite albums ever is Magnetic Fields, 69 Love Songs.

For more information on Jade Klara please visit her website.