COVID 19 has affected many industries and the government has put in place good strategies to help those in need. The only ones that have been left behind are artists who have no track on getting public funds and they are left behind. The same artists who have put other people before them, invested their own time, talent and money to make a difference every day in their communities without asking anything in return. Artists who maybe never sold an art piece but they have constantly been investing in their art with the hope to inspire one day a generation of people to think beyond their imagination, a great factor in our opinion that instigates the advancement of technology, science and architecture today.
We have decided to recognise those artists and we have put together a programme that highlights the work these artists do.
Through amazing interviews, you will have the chance to get to know them and why not support their journey by purchasing one or all of their magical art.
This week we`re featuring a very talented artist, Sequin Kay, who we had the pleasure to work with and sell her art through our projects. Sequin is a member of the Gold Mind Society and a big supporter of the gallery. As we reward loyalty and devotion, we wanted to promote her amazing work.
What is your name and where are you based?
My name is Sequin Kay and I have a mixed media creative practice.
I am based in Peacehaven UK.
What is your practice?
My work for the past 15 years has used revealing aspects of history, which have a profound impact on our contemporary culture today. In the current climate where many believe history has no relevance, I find myself continually returning to those aspects that are often hidden or misrepresented in the “official” recordings for posterity. In my varied and diverse approaches to making art; installations; public, curatorial and web projects, the context of the work has an impact on the work’s relationship to the viewer.
What is your USP?
Sequin Kay was born and raised in the multicultural edges of South London and has been creating and crafting since she was 11 years old. Her fist commission was at the age of 14, her school commissioning a large-scale mosaic for the outside of the library entrance still on display today. Mistaken identity and cultural displacement are particular elements present in her work with traces of her Irish and Moroccan heritage are repeatedly woven into her textile art-works through the use of abstraction, pattern, embroidery and embellishment. Originally trained as an abstract oil painter and sculptor at Camberwell College of Arts, she found the arts education system rigid and often stifling for developing her subjective style of creativity. Renting out a studio in Brixton and exploring the creative process in solitude she self-taught herself many of the techniques visible today her present work
Tells us a secret that nobody knows about your life!
Sequins are an intergalactic source of life intelligence.
Has Covid 19 challenged your creativity?
Covid 19 has upped and amplified my creativity and given it another dimension, fired me on even further into new realms. I have had more time to think and muse over new projects and ideas it has given me more thinking time.
What are your most significant achievements?
My Current work The Zodiac Collection is a unique and pivotal collection, which engages with each Zodiac sign along with personal interpretations. Personal research into each star sign and their potential cultural and esoteric meaning. The Collection’s aims is to bridge a powerful link between cosmology and the arts.
Do you have any fascinating or unusual clients or a funny story to tell?
One of my clients is of 80’s years old and loves my mirror work and he is so interesting and really loves sequins ! amazing !
If you were starting a career as an artist today, what would you do differently?
Be organised, take more risks, ask more questions. Getting a really good studio is important somewhere you can fully express yourself in many ways.
What has been your most significant challenge in times of Covid 19, and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge was the lack of social interaction and feedback an artist receives from showcasing works and going to exhibitions and private viewings, London is such an inspiring city. I overcame it by organising Zoom connections and visiting artists’ studios in a socially distanced way.
What are your plans for the future? What new projects do you have in the pipeline?
I am currently completing a Zodiac project by the end of August, a yearlong project and looking to expand my creative abilities in the digital realm and embarking on new learnings in After Effects and Projection Mapping.
What would you like to be known for?
I would love to be known for creating great artworks and changing people’s perspectives on the nature of reality and creativity.
How do you know Laura?
Through exhibiting at the Gallery.
How did you hear about Laura I. Gallery?
I heard about Laura I Gallery through the internet I responded to an Art call on spiritualty, submitted my work and had a successful showcase with the gallery.
What do you think of our Mentoring programs or of the newest initiative for artists, The Society of Gold Minds?
I think they are fantastic, enabling artists to reach out a lot more and expand their network. Mentors are extremely important for any profession and can give so much in life into new ideas and projects.
Do you think it is important to have someone that has your back?
Yes I think knowing you have a safe space to rely on can enable creatives to take more risks and some to confide in when the times get tough.
Do you think it is important to receive constant support? Why?
I think regular support is important because it enables the artist to grow and flourish like a seed needs the soil, artist is the seed and the support is the soil they need each other.
Do you think it is important to be surrounded by a community of artists?
I think it is very important for creatives to be around each other for support and to bounce ideas and offer critical creative dialogue, this enables wider perspectives to be attained and therefore more integrated practice.
Would you recommend our mentoring programs?
I haven’t taken part in the mentoring programme yet, I will do and am sure it is very inspirational and beneficial for artists and creatives.
Has Laura I. Gallery inspired you or helped you in any way? How?
Laura herself is an proactive Gallery owner and artist and a motivating female force. She has represented and sold works for me at auctions, showcased my works In her gallery and is now offering during this challenging time of Covid-19 to help sell and promote some of my available pieces. I adore her Mothers greetings cards that she makes truly a special gift statement.
Would you recommend Laura I. Art Gallery?
Yes I would very much so, for support and a friendly professional outlook in the creative world. A wonderful, inclusive gallery to work with in East London.
