Artist in conversation: Doodlemood Art
“my creativity can reveal things that I didn’t even realise were in my subconscious…”
Welcome to the world of Doodlemood Art, a vibrant universe of abstract art created by the incredible Krys. Painting with enthusiasm and spontaneity, Krys's brush strokes dance on canvas in a symphony of acrylic and digital manipulation, inviting you to join her exploration of the art of imperfection and unconscious thought.
Krys's style is automatic, impulsive, and at times, beautifully chaotic. She layers paint and embraces accidental marks, creating ambiguous elements that hold a mirror up to human nature, psychology, and form. This unique approach encourages viewers to dive deep into their interpretation, making each piece an intimate conversation between the viewer and the artwork.
Her journey into the arts began with pen doodle sketches, which later inspired her series of androgynous cartoonish doodle portraits. These pieces, tinged with a hint of melancholy, are a testament to her evolving artistic journey.
What initially inspired you to become an artist, and how did you develop your unique style?
Both my parents encouraged me to be creative. My dad was an artist and architect, so I learned the fundamentals from him. My mother taught me more about the textiles side of things. At school, I excelled in art and later went on to study art and design at college, specializing in textiles and fine art. I finally graduated from university in Manchester with a degree in Media Design where I developed skills in digital design. In my early twenties, I moved to London and became a makeup artist, a career I've been in for nearly twenty years. At this point, I didn't create my own personal art and concentrated solely on my career. However, my late father's passing a few years back led me back to the path of art. He left behind his art materials, sketchbooks, paints, and brushes. I started to hone in on my style, experiment, and explore.
In terms of subject matter, what themes or motifs do you frequently explore in your work, and what draws you to these topics?
Most recently, I have been tapping into human connection, emotion, and past trauma. Having said this, I try to create art without too much thought and see where it takes me. I do, however, really enjoy drawing or painting a lot of androgynous portraits.
Can you discuss a specific piece or project that challenged you as an artist, and how you overcome those challenges?
When I began to create art again after a long break, I felt the need to re- set and re configure how I approached my style. Almost taking a side step from traditional practice and release perfectionism. I like the fact with my paintings I have the freedom to just express without having a plan in mind. This can also lead me to rework over paintings and go back to them after a period of time as something may not be working for me or my state of mind can change from when I started. But this is the joy of creative guess. I have been working on a digital project called ‘Love Doods’. Simple stick figure doodles mixed with poetry that challenge the connection between love and pain. Something we can all related. I found this challenging as it really touched home to me and is a true reflection from my own personal experience.
Can you tell us more about the emotions or experiences you hope to evoke in your audience through your abstract art? How do you believe your unique style and perspective contribute to a broader conversation about the complexities of human nature?
I believe my abstract art allows me to explore my journey and clearly reflect the mood I'm in through the use of colour, texture, chaotic elements, and the placement of ambitious movement. There is so much happening in my paintings that I believe viewers can gain different perspectives and discover secret passages on a journey waiting to be explored.
Could you share more about how you approach your artistic process and the role that layers of paint and accidental marks play in creating the ambiguous elements within your paintings?
My art never looks the same as it does when I first start painting. I can rework paintings weeks or months later, and it's great to have fundamental layers of paint already down to work over the top, as you can bring them to life again or subtract new paint strokes to reveal the past. I mix up my tools and constantly experiment with different mediums. I put on some music and just get carried away without thinking too much about what I'm doing, which allows me to keep my work fresh. I guess I enter a meditative zone and my creativity can reveal things that I didn't even realize were there in my subconscious.
How do you stay connected with other artists and keep up with new developments and trends in the art world?
Instagram is amazing to discover new artists and their artwork but I don’t like to get to wrapped up in what others are doing or what is trending. I like to discover my own path without getting too influenced by others. I have my own favourite artists such as Jenny Saville, Basquiat and Tracey Emin, all of whom I discovered from school days that still remain to be a great inspiration to me.
How do you incorporate feedback from critics and audiences into your artistic practice, and how do you balance this feedback with your own artistic intuition?
I actually like fee back on my work either good or bad or indifferent. I believe art is a personal experience, and not everyone is going to understand or like your art work. I feel its the same with all creative outlets so any feedback is valuable for growth in development.
How do you stay motivated and inspired despite any setbacks or creative blocks you may encounter?
I have been on a music tour for an year and a half now so being motivated on the road travelling is hard but on the other hand its helped me open my eyes to experience and to see things around me. I am highly visual person so I take in my surroundings on a deeper level. I am that strange person who would rather take random photos of textures on the side of building than the people I am with. Whilst I have been on the road though I concentrate on my digital art work and writing which helps keeps me motivated mentally. However, I have times like any one where I have creative blocks… usually when I have something personal going on in my life but that’s where my art comes into play. It is like therapy to help overcome or understand how my brain works on a deeper level. My recent work obviously reflects this.
How do you feel about exhibiting your artworks with The Holy Art Gallery?
First time I have ever exhibited my work so it’s pretty cool that The Holy Art Gallery is happy for me to be a part of the exhibit.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
Many plans, many ideas… just need to put them into fruition. Watch this space!