Kristel, the talented sketch artist
KRISTEL is a very talented sketch artist who started drawing at a young age. Today her work is being recognised, particularly her portrait works.
1. Kristel, please share with us a little about yourself?
I was born in Lautoka and I only have one sibling who is four years younger than me.
2. What schools did you attend?
I attended several primary schools growing up until I attended Jasper Williams Primary School (JWPS) from Class 5 right until Class 8. After attending JWPS I went on to attend Natabua High School where I took accounting, economics and computer then I later went into university. I successfully completed my Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce (BCOM) double majoring in accounting and economics. My mum wanted me to do my Bachelor’s Degree but my heart was more into my drawings.
3. Have you always had a passion for sketching as a child or was it something that you later developed?
Drawing is my passion. From the age of two, I had started going to kindergarten as my mom was a pre-school teacher. For four years I had to be in kindergarten in order to move onto class 1. There I basically learnt how to draw and colour just to let the day go by. I made drawing my friend. I always chose colouring books over toys when I was young and I started drawing even before knowing other artists.
4. As an artist, what draws your attention the most or what sort of art are you into?
I didn’t know that an area of art was to be chosen in preference as no one was there to teach me or show me any direction. Whatever I learned came naturally to me. I had no phone or computer growing up but when I moved to Suva I quickly learned to use Google for art research and I learned so much from it especially what type of art I’m into. Then I started doing in-depth sketching and I later further developed portrait making skills first with pencil and then with colour pencils. I also went making stencils for sulu prints and also carving and tattooing.
5. How did it first start-off for you?
My commitment to art started with the fear of losing in a painting contest. My friends had submitted my name for an APCO painting competition and I had
asked my
Father to teach me how to make a coconut tree. That was the only thing he taught me. From that, I observed illustrations in textbooks and nature around me. My father taught me the principles of painting, the art of mixing colour and even how to keep my paintbrush clean. I kept practising each day and I’ve never stopped drawing.
6. Does sketching or drawing sort of run in your family or is it just your thing?
My father was a signwriter and he made a living by making signboards for shops in Lautoka. Seeing him draw I simply learned the basics of drawing. My skills improved later when I had access to a smartphone and the internet.
7. Who first noticed your skill as an artist?
It was my father. We use to paint at home together and often coloured colouring books. Also, my friends in school and teachers recognised my talent as an artist. I ended up painting the Natabua High School gallery with scenes and signs to keep the environment clean. I was often seen drawing during my spare time in school and so people around me knew I loved it.
8. I understand that often artist usually draw according to their emotions or how they feel, does it apply to you as a sketch artist?
When it comes to my art I’m always drawing with my emotions. My journey and hard work sort of reminds me to never give up. When I sketch someone based on their request I always try to give my 100 per cent attention. It always is nervewracking to draw people and I have to be sure to capture the image just right according to how they look.
9. Which artist do you find inspiration from?
I find my inspiration from the Italian polymath of the Renaissance, Leonardo DaVinci. I love reading about his work particularly the renowned Mona Lisa. I read about him in an encyclopedia when I was just 10 years old and I have since loved his work. Also, the fact that he created his own paints and brushes to suit his style really inspired me as an artist because he was committed to perfecting his art.
10. Has your work ever been featured in an exhibition, if yes please tell us about it and how you feel about your work being featured?
My painting, which was called Breakthrough, was exhibited with other famous artists back in 2014 at Toorak Art Gallery the exhibition was called the Christmas Exhibition. I felt proud to have my work showcased, but my portraits are not showcased.
11. Who do you hope to inspire through your work?
I want to inspire everybody so they can think creatively too. Knowledge comes in all shapes and form. I want children to have a mindset that no work is too big or too small and people should appreciate the talent within themselves.
12. Have you ever sold a sketch, if so how much was it sold for (if you want to include the price)?
After graduation, I started working as an accounts officer then as an auditor. With an impulse, I left work in January this year and just started drawing people. I got my first client who was a friend of mine who I did a portrait for, for only $10 because I didn’t know how much a portrait would be worth. That was my first black and white A4 size sketch. Afterwards, I would get orders from interested individuals. At the moment it’s small scale, but I’m considering it as a business opportunity.