Artist Profile: Lisa Kijak

Lisa Kijak
Irvine CA

1. What other ideas for this theme "rituals" did you have? I thought about reading goodnight stories to my toddler; the early morning cuddles when she wakes up and crawls into our bed, etc. But ultimately, I wanted to see if I could find a way to continue working in my series. Like most parents, our world revolves around caffeine. Neon Coffee was the perfect choice.

2.  Are you involved in any community or group projects where you donate your work?  if yes, what project or projects? I am currently working on a piece for the SAQA benefit auction. It will be my first year donating.

3.  Do you belong to a small group of like-minded artists?  yes/no  Name/where?  What is the best part of being part of an art group? I don't know if it qualifies as a "small group" but I am part of Quilts on the Wall, a fiber art group in Southern California.  We meet every other month. I like that gets me out of the studio and connecting with other creative people. They are a great source of inspiration and support.

4.  Are you a member of a professional art organization, such as SAQA?  Have you ever held a volunteer position in the organization, and if so, what? I am a member of SAQA, but have not held a position within the organization.

5.  What is your favorite palette of colors that you use in your work?  Name 5.  Name 5 of your least favorite colors? I don't know that I have true favorites, but am generally drawn to red, orange, black, white and turquoise. As for least favorites, while I use a full range of values in my work, I tend not to be a fan of pastels.

6.  Describe your creative work space in 20 words or less.  Are you messy or tidy? Messy during a project, but tidy afterwards. My studio is colorful, well lit, with room for friends to visit.

7.  What is your creative process?  Think, draw, design, make or right to the design? I almost always work from a photograph. I spend a lot of time taking pictures. I work digitally, editing, shifting colors, and moving elements around until I am satisfied with a composition. Then I print the digital sketch out full size and start selecting fabrics.

8.   Is there a particular object or shape that shows up repeatedly in your work?  Why? Right now I am working on a series based on old neon signs. In general though, I am drawn to complex surfaces that show the passage of time.

9.   If you had to choose a favorite artist from another media, who would it be, and why? I love the work of Margaret Kilgallen and her use of typography, signage, printmaking and found objects.

10.  Have you written a book related to Art Quilts and Quilting or have an instructional DVD?  If so, can you tell us the title or titles? No, maybe someday.

11.  Do you make art full time?   If you have another career, would you describe what you do? and how you incorporate art into your life? I am a former art therapist, now stay at home mom. I do make a daily practice of creating art in every spare minute I can find.

12.  What is your most thrilling news to date in relation to your art quilt life? I was juried into Visions 2012. I am beyond thrilled!

www.lisakijak.com
http://lisakijak.blogspot.com